Letter from the Wind Program Director

It’s an exciting time for the U.S. offshore wind industry. After more than 15 years of laying the groundwork, the United States has finally hit a crucial milestone: in July, Deepwater Wind began offshore construction on what will be the nation’s first offshore wind project. The 30-megawatt (MW) Block Island Wind Farm promises to significantly lower electricity prices for the residents of Block Island, provide substantial renewable energy to the mainland townships of the southern region of Rhode Island, and generate up to 300 jobs during construction.

This Tuesday we'll be releasing the 2014–2015 Offshore Wind Technologies Market Report at the AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER conference in Baltimore. This report builds on previous offshore wind market reports by the Navigant Consortium and details the 21 U.S. offshore wind projects in the development pipeline, as well as global and domestic market trends.

This edition of the Wind Program Newsletter highlights some of the recent research and development that is helping to accelerate offshore wind development and drive next-generation wind technology advancements and innovation. For example, through DOE’s Advanced Technology Demonstration program, an offshore wind safety ladder was designed and demonstrated. This ladder, built by the same U.S. fabrication yard that built the Block Island Wind Farm foundations, could be adapted to projects around the world, improving the safety of offshore workers globally. Technological advancements, such as taller wind turbine towers of 110 and 140 meters and larger rotors—currently under development by DOE and its private sector partners—can more efficiently capture the stronger and more consistent wind resources typically found at greater heights above ground level, unlocking the potential for wind power in all 50 states.

Wind power is a key component of the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and Renewable Power Plan to reduce climate-changing carbon pollution, diversify our energy economy, and boost America’s economic competitiveness by bringing innovative technologies online. Through targeted investment in research, development, deployment, and market barrier removal, the Energy Department is helping accelerate the next-generation wind power technologies that will drive the wind industry forward. We are also excited to share that DOE, in partnership with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, has recently launched an effort to update the 2011 National Offshore Wind Strategy. Our goal is to release the updated strategy in 2016.

The Wind Program is once again hosting an exhibit at the Offshore WINDPOWER conference, and you can read more about our research and development projects in the reports on the USB drive we’re handing out at the booth. I encourage you to stop by our booth, visit with our staff, and learn more about our program.  

Sincerely,

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