Renewable Energy Installations in WI

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

$6M in grants available to reach 20% wind energy goal


The DOE this week said it is making up to $6 million available over the next two fiscal years for projects that address the technical challenges of wind development and market acceptance barriers that were outlined in a report, "20 Percent Wind Energy by 2030," that was released last year. The funding will be available for projects in six different topic areas that include turbine research, development and testing, distributed wind technologies, market acceptance efforts, environmental research and sitting strategies, transmission analysis, planning and assessments as well as workforce development. The May 2008 report says the U.S. possesses affordable wind energy resources far in excess of those needed to enable a 20-percent scenario. However, DOE also identified major challenges that need to be overcome and require action to meet the 20 percent by 2030 goal:

+ Major investments in transmission so that power generated in Midwest locations can be delivered urban centers at great distance

+ Larger electric load balancing areas, in tandem with better regional planning and use of complementary generation and storage, so that grid operators can better integrate wind generation into the electric utility grid

+ Continued reduction in wind turbine capital costs through technology advancement and improved manufacturing capabilities

+ Improved wind turbine performance and reduction of operating and maintenance costs through improved reliability

+ Addressing concerns about local siting, wildlife, and environmental issues within the context of electricity generation

+ Develop an abundant and skilled workforce to supply the growing renewable energy industry.

The full report can be read and downloaded at http://www.20percentwind.org.

Full grant details here.

Completed funding applications are due by March 3. DOE anticipates notifying applicants selected for award by the end of April 2009 and making awards by the end of September 2009

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