US DOE provides funding for three offshore wind energy projects

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected three offshore wind demonstrations and will receive up to $47m each to complete the second phase of its offshore wind advanced technology demonstration initiative.

Over the next four years, Fishermen’s Energy, Principle Power and Dominion Virginia Power will receive the funds to deploy grid-connected systems in federal and state waters by 2017.

The three companies have been selected from seven finalists following an announcement in 2012 where the finalists received an initial $4m in federal matching funds to conduct preliminary engineering, design and permitting work.

Fishermen’s Energy will install five 5MW direct-drive wind turbines in state waters about three miles off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Principle Power will install five 6MW direct-drive wind turbines approximately 18 miles off the coast of Coos Bay, Oregon while Dominion Virginia Power will deploy two 6MW direct-drive wind turbines 26 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach.

US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said offshore wind provides a large, untapped energy resource for the country while creating several manufacturing, construction and supply chain jobs and drive billions of dollars in local economic investment.

"The Energy Department is working with public and private partners to harness this untapped resource in a sustainable and economic manner," Moniz added.

Dominion and Fishermen’s projects will use twisted jacket foundations whereas Principle Power will utilize semi-submersible floating foundation.

"The offshore wind projects announced today further this commitment — bringing more clean, renewable energy to our homes and businesses, diversifying our energy portfolio, and reducing costs through innovation."