As part of an exciting international initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy‘s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) alongside Innovation Fund Denmark are making strides in renewable energy through a planned investment aimed at advancing floating offshore wind technologies.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties for Green Technology
The announcement underlines a growing partnership between the U.S. and Denmark, one that was cemented with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021. Now, the two nations are ready to unveil a substantial $4.2 million funding opportunity that promises to edge floating offshore wind energy closer to commercial reality, and vastly expand its use.
Floating Offshore Wind: The Future of Clean Energy
Floating offshore wind technology is essential—not just for achieving national renewable energy targets, but also for the global push towards sustainable energy. Cities situated along coastlines stand to benefit immensely from the clean energy harvested from the sea.
Backing these aspirations is the Floating Offshore Wind Energy Shot, a concerted effort involving various U.S. governmental departments aimed at slashing the costs of floating wind power by 70% come 2035. This initiative opens the door to fully tapping into the off-shore wind potential, nudging the energy transition along while creating jobs and fueling economic progress.
Research Today for Tomorrow’s Energy Innovation
Central to this collaboration is research that enhances mooring technology and techniques, providing the stability floating wind platforms require. Both nations are committed to bolstering the floating offshore wind sector through reciprocal research and development that maximizes the benefits drawn from both American and Danish expertise.
“Floating platforms are integral to our aim of exploiting the U.S. offshore wind potential, where most lies in waters beyond the reach of traditional structures. This bilateral venture with Denmark propels us closer to our climate objectives as we pursue a dramatic reduction in floating wind costs,” said Geri Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation at DOE.
Chairperson Anders Eldrup of Innovation Fund Denmark adds, “Addressing climate change calls for global cooperation and a multitude of collaborative innovations. The prospects for floating offshore wind technology in driving the green transition are substantial. Innovation Fund Denmark looks forward to investing in projects that offer long-term benefits and is eager to foster Danish-American collaboration in this groundbreaking research.”
Details of the Funding Opportunity
With both WETO and Innovation Fund Denmark contributing an estimated $2 million each, competing teams will need to embrace both U.S. and Danish involvement. The inclusion of minority-serving institutions among the U.S. participants is a requirement. Plans also include issuing four or more awards.
The awaited proposal call will target five critical aspects of floating offshore wind technology:
- Developing eco-friendly strategies for cables and moorings
- Creating mooring components capable of mass production to support large offshore wind arrays
- Advancing technology for station-keeping systems that enhance durability and cost-efficiency
- Innovating remote inspection and monitoring methods for submerged parts
- An ‘Open Topic’ aimed at further supporting the evolution of mooring systems for industrial-scale floating offshore wind deployment
Enthusiasts and experts can anticipate the official release of this funding opportunity in the spring, marking a key milestone in the quest for sustainable and cost-effective energy from the sea.
