The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided funding of $ 21 million for three projects that support the demonstration of offshore wind energy technology and resource identification.
The projects will support offshore wind development by featuring innovative technologies that have not been used commercially in the U.S. and by developing the ability to predict energy production, DOE said.
Atkins will develop a full-scale design of an offshore wind platform capable of supporting a 10+ MW turbine, using a scale test model and simulation method previously used for oil and gas production facilities. gas. It is planned to be installed and connected to the grid at the Mayflower Wind rental area.
The University of Maine designs, demonstrates, and tests synthetic rope anchors for floating wind turbines, which are expected to reduce the impact of offshore wind development on commercial fisheries and reduce costs. It will be showcased on a full-scale turbine at the Aqua Ventus I project.
The Woods Hole Institute of Marine Science in Massachusetts will collect offshore wind resource data off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and use it to develop atmospheric simulation tools and reduce uncertainty in the assessment and forecasting of offshore wind resources .
“The emergence of innovative technologies that are not yet in commercial use will reduce the cost of energy and give confidence to future investment decisions.” said Daniel R Simmons, Deputy Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
“Improving wind power forecasting capabilities with improved weather models and the demonstration of innovative energy generation technologies can reduce the cost of offshore wind.”