 In This Issue
Continue to follow the Wind Energy Technologies Office for the latest news, events, and updates.
News
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $21 million in funding for three projects supporting offshore wind energy technology demonstration and resource characterization. These projects will support offshore wind development by demonstrating innovative technologies not previously commercially used in the United States for offshore wind, and by improving the ability to forecast energy production. Read the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Progress Alert to learn more about the selected projects.
Yesterday, DOE announced up to $25 million for the creation of a consortium dedicated to developing control technologies for a modernized electric grid. Grid-forming technologies automatically coordinate inverter-based and other resources to start up and maintain electricity on the grid. DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) will support the creation of a consortium to advance research and industry-wide collaboration on grid-forming technologies and ensure that they enhance power systems operation. U.S. universities, companies, nonprofits, and state, local, and tribal governments are encouraged to apply. Sign up to learn more about this funding opportunity at an upcoming webinar.
On Monday, December 14, DOE released its FY 2021 Phase I Release 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Eligible small business can apply to receive up to $200,000 to test their innovative ideas over 12 months. Small businesses that win SBIR/STTR awards keep the rights to any technology developed and are encouraged to commercialize the technology.
EERE is supporting 49 different SBIR/STTR research topics across its three technology sectors: transportation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Wind-specific topics are Technical Solutions to Offshore and Land-Based Wind Siting and Environmental Challenges, and Distributed Wind Technology-Compatible Power Converters for Grid-Connected and Isolated Distributed Energy Systems. To learn about the topics and grant application requirements, please view the Topic Description Document and the Phase I Release 2 FOA at https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Funding-Opportunities.
DOE is holding an informational webinar on the SBIR/STTR Phase I, Release 2 FOA on Friday, December 18. Register for the webinar.
Small business interested in applying in response to this FOA must submit a Letter of Intent to be eligible to submit a full application. Letters of Intent are due no later than Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Learn more about how to prepare and submit a Phase I Letter of Intent at https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Applicant-Resources/Letter-of-Intent.
In recent weeks, colleges and universities throughout the nation once again moved to online learning to safeguard the health of students and faculty. For students participating in the 2021 Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC), this means they will be meeting with their teammates virtually and building their competition turbines from home.
Luckily, the winners of the 2020 CWC—California State University Maritime Academy and James Madison University—have some tips to help this year’s teams prepare for the 2021 competition while practicing social distancing.
In Case You Missed It
WETO is seeking information from the public on research needs for integration of large-scale offshore wind energy generation into the transmission grid. In addition to input on overall research priorities, topics of interest include technical means to enhance transmission utilization and mitigate congestion; updates to system integration studies and analyses in view of anticipated offshore wind development; and priorities for improvements to data, models, and analytical tools. Responses are due Jan. 24, 2021.
EERE is Hiring!
Are you an engineer or scientist interested in working for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy? EERE is searching for enthusiastic, driven and committed professionals to fill our vacant positions.
DOE has Direct Hire Authority for General Engineers that allows EERE to hire more quickly than through the traditional government hiring process. EERE’s Wind Energy Technologies Office is seeking a General Engineer with experience in power electronics/power systems engineering. If you’re interested in one of these positions, please email EEREhiring@ee.doe.gov and include your name, the best way you can be reached, and the position and EERE office that interests you. Then attach your resume.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not include personal information in your resume. We do NOT want you to include your social security number, photos of you, information about your age or gender, or any government-sensitive information. If EERE is interested after reviewing your resume, the DOE Human Capital office will contact you to request a transcript demonstrating that your educational background meets the basic eligibility requirements of the position in question.
The EERE is excited to introduce the EERE Program Information Center—EERE’s new portal for funding opportunities.
Organizations interested in working with EERE can use the EERE Program Information Center to identify and respond to open opportunities—including Funding Opportunity Announcements, Requests for Information, Notices of Intent, Notices of Technical Assistance, and Lab Calls. Watch the EERE YouTube video to learn more! (Note: you must use the Google Chrome web browser to access the EERE Program Information Center).
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