They aim to reduce the cost of existing offshore wind technologies and address challenges associated with installation, permitting and grid connection. The $4 million per project will go towards engineering, site evaluation and planning.
Fishermen’s Energy won a grant for its 25MW Atlantic City wind farm, which the DoE says will use an "advanced bottom-mounted foundation design" along with installation innovations designed to mitigate environmental impacts.
Fishermen’s will now focus on final contractor selection, with an emphasis on New Jersey vendors, the DoE said.
Lake Erie Development Corporation secured a grant for its planned 27MW wind farm off the coast of Cleveland, on Lake Erie. Plans call for "ice breaker" monopole foundations designed to reduce ice loading.
The DoE selected Statoil North America for its planned 12MW Hywind Maine project, which will use floating spar buoy structures at a depth of about 140 metres.
The University of Maine received a grant for its pilot floating offshore project with two 6MW turbines on concrete semi-submersible foundations. The DOE says these will provide a cost-effective alternative to steel foundations.
Dominion Virginia Power won a grant for plans to install two 6MW turbines off the coast of Virginia Beach. Twisted jacket foundations will offer the strength of traditional jacket designs while using significantly less steel.
The DoE selected Baryonyx Corporation for its plans to install 6MW of wind power in state waters near Port Isabel, Texas, using an advanced jacket foundation design. Baronyx has planned a 1.8GW wind farm in the Rio Grande, off the South Padre Island.
Finally, Principle Power secured funds for its plan to install five semi-submersible floating foundations as part of a 30MW project sited in deep water, 16-24 kilometres from Coos Bay, Oregon. This would constitute the first phase of its 150MW Tillamook project.
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