Chu announces wind energy investments

Wind Energy Investments

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu yesterday announced new investments in three university-led wind energy research facilities focused on enhancing the United States' role as the leader in testing and developing the most advanced and efficient wind projects in the world.

The cash comes from the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will aim to developing both land-based and offshore wind farms, in support of the Obama Administration's focus on increasing clean energy generation, while also supporting the long-term development of a clean energy workforce.

Secretary Chu said: "Wind power has the potential to provide 20 percent of our electricity and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

"We need to position the United States as the clear leader in this industry, or watch these high-paying jobs go overseas. The investment we're making today will help ensure that America has both the talent and the technology we need to compete."

$24 million of support will be allocated to three uni-led consortia for research and development programs to improve wind energy reliability and performance, as well as provide career educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in wind energy technologies.

The three selected were Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois (up to $8 million); University of Maine, Orono (up to $8 million) and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (up to $8 million).

Over the next two years, the groups will acquire utility-scale and prototype wind turbines that will provide researchers and students with hands on R&D and educational opportunities with the country's fastest developing form of renewable energy.

Universities will also use the DoE funds to enhance their wind technology curricula and provide financial assistance to students for research fellowships and internships in the rapidly expanding wind industry.

Final award amounts are subject to final project negotiations. Learn more information about the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program.

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