The US Department of Energy has unveiled a substantial $72 million funding initiative aimed at expediting the deployment of both offshore and onshore wind energy projects. This funding allocation includes $27 million, a portion of which stems from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, designated for 15 distinct projects. These initiatives are intended to support research, development, and community engagement efforts with the ultimate goal of accelerating the equitable and sustainable expansion of offshore and land-based wind energy solutions. Additionally, $45 million has been earmarked for 14 sites to expedite domestic manufacturing processes, making these cutting-edge technologies more efficient and cost-effective.
These strategic investments are set to streamline the development of tools crucial for harnessing wind and hydropower, removing obstacles for communities seeking to adopt offshore and distributed wind energy technologies, and mitigating adverse impacts on wildlife.
US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, underscored the administration's commitment to advancing wind energy while prioritising American manufacturing. She stated, “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to deploying wind turbines that harness the clean power of wind, while at the same time ensuring the clean energy transition is built in America's factories. Wind energy is among the most affordable and sustainable clean energy resources in the United States—this funding will demonstrate how wind power can benefit different communities and strengthen our domestic supply-chain through innovation.” The funding injection is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the nation's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
