Empowering Small Businesses to Expand Wind Energy Innovation

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) recognizes the critical role public-private partnerships play in accelerating the transition to a renewable energy economy. American small businesses continue to drive job creation and economic growth. Fueled by the spirit of innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship, they are a backbone of the U.S. economy and have a tremendous opportunity to help America lead the renewable energy race.

EERE is putting the world-class resources of the national laboratories at the fingertips of many energy startups with the Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot, in which selected small businesses will address renewable energy technologies in nine technical areas: advanced manufacturing, bioenergy, buildings, fuel cells, geothermal, solar, vehicles, water, and wind. Additionally, the second round introduced three new national labs to the program who have already partnered with businesses.

The Wind Energy Technologies Office awarded funding for three small businesses to collaborate with two national laboratories to focus on ways to maximize blade life (Sentient), build taller wind towers (Wind Tower Tech), and optimize wind farm performance and lifespan (WindESCo). This collaboration will help these energy startups to address renewable energy technologies in wind energy innovation.

The SBV Pilot provides U.S. small businesses with unparalleled access to the expertise and facilities of its national laboratories. Over three rounds, DOE has offered up to $20 million to support approximately 100 small businesses by issuing national lab vouchers valued between $50,000 and $300,000 per company.

SBV is part of the Tech-to-Market Program within EERE. Tech-to-Market is focused on strengthening the innovation ecosystem by eliminating common barriers that prevent market exploration of new energy technologies. Learn more about SBV and current projects.