Did You Know?

WETO works with electric grid operators, utilities, regulators, academia, and industry to create new strategies for incorporating increasing amounts of wind energy into the power system while maintaining economic and reliable operation of the grid.

DOE Co-Releases a $16.4 Million Funding Opportunity to Improve Offshore Renewable Energy Deployments

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and Water Power Technologies Office and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement are providing $16.4 million in funding for installation noise reduction and reliable moorings for offshore wind and marine energy. Projects will also be managed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service. 

This funding will support accelerated and responsible development of offshore renewable energy by improving the integrity and monitoring of mooring lines for floating offshore wind energy systems and marine energy converters, as well as by reducing or avoiding noise generation and propagation during the installation of fixed-bottom offshore wind foundations.

The deadline to submit concept papers is 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 9, 2023. 

New Funding Opportunity Opens for Research to Reduce Costs of High-Voltage Direct Current Transmission

WETO and the Office of Electricity released a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for research to drive innovation and reduce costs of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, through the use of voltage source converters. 

HVDC transmission systems are more efficient than traditional alternating current (AC) transmission systems for transmitting electricity over long distances while minimizing power losses, making them a cost-effective solution for offshore wind transmission. HVDC transmission requires switching power sources from AC to direct current (DC) and back again to connect to the grid, and voltage source converters are optimal as they can turn themselves on and off, enabling consistent grid stability. 

The deadline to submit concept papers is 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 14, 2023. 

Report Outlines Port Investments Needed for 25–55 Gigawatts of West Coast Floating Offshore Wind Energy

A new report funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law outlines the investments needed for the United States to develop a port system along the West Coast that can help harness the untapped 2.8 terawatts of floating offshore wind energy in U.S. waters. The report estimates a need to invest $5 billion–$10 billion in installation and maintenance ports, plus an additional $10 billion for manufacturing ports. These investments could yield local job opportunities, a stronger domestic supply chain, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and thousands of megawatts of clean energy.

Public–Private Collaboration Paves the Way for Commercial Wind Power Growth

Funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office laid the foundation for private development and investment in the once emerging technology. Specifically, the Wind Turbine Verification Program, established in 1993, introduced electric utilities to emerging wind turbine technologies, created more confidence in wind power, and helped wind energy become the robust renewable energy resource it is today.

Wind Energy Equity Research Illuminates Community Perspectives

Two years ago, a team of researchers from DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory set a goal to better understand perceptions of equity and fairness among U.S. communities living near land-based wind energy installations. This marked the beginning of the Wind Energy Equity Engagement Series, which aims to inform and support initiatives like President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative and address historical energy inequities across the United States. 

After surviving a near-death experience, change was blowin’ in the wind for Laura Hastings.

“It was like a battlefield surgery,” said Hastings. “I was seeing the light, as they say, and I kept thinking, ‘If I survive this, what am I doing with my life? My kids are growing up, and I want to make sure they have a world to grow up in. Now is the time to choose my next path.’”

That path, Hastings decided, was to use her background to help build up the wind and renewable energy workforce.