DOE gives offshore wind projects up to $141 million

The Department of Energy (DOE) Wednesday said it will give up to $47 million each to three offshore wind power projects over the next four years to pioneer “innovative” technology.

The planned projects are off the costs of New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia. DOE said the money will help speed the deployment of efficient wind power technologies as part of the government’s effort to expand the use of wind power.

{mosads}“Offshore wind offers a large, untapped energy resource for the United States that can create thousands of manufacturing, construction and supply chain jobs across the country and drive billions of dollars in local economic investment,” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement. “The Energy Department is working with public and private partners to harness this untapped resource in a sustainable and economic manner.”

The Fisherman’s Energy project off the coast of Atlantic City, N.J., was chosen for its inexpensive foundation. Principle Power’s project near Coos Bay, Ore., was chosen because it will sit on a semi-submersible base in deep water. A Virginia Beach, Va., project by Dominion Virginia Power was picked because of its unique, U.S.-built foundation.

There are not currently any operational offshore wind farms in the North American water.