20% Wind by 2030: Overcoming the Challenges

Funding: $6,000,000

Open Date: 12/30/2008

Close Date: 03/05/2009

Funding Organization: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Funding Number: DE-PS36-09GO99009

Summary:

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed to support the Wind Energy Program in its support of the "20% Wind Energy by 2030" report. The Wind Program is focusing on near- to medium-term actions to significantly accelerate use of wind energy technologies. The "20% Wind Energy by 2030" report found that the Nation possesses affordable wind energy resources far in excess of those needed to enable a 20% scenario. However, major challenges need to be overcome and require action for 20% wind to be possible:

Investment in a national transmission system, so, for example, the power generated in Midwest locations can be delivered to urban centers on the east coast;
Larger electric load balancing areas are required, in tandem with better regional planning, so that regions can depend on a diversity of renewable generation sources;
Continued reduction in wind turbine capital costs through technology advancement and improved manufacturing capabilities; Improved wind turbine performance and reduction of operating and maintenance costs through improved reliability;
Addressing concerns about local siting, wildlife, and environmental issues within the context of electricity generation.
Develop an abundant and skilled workforce to supply the growing renewable energy industry.

Federal funding is subject to annual appropriations—all figures above should be treated as estimates. Furthermore, in anticipation of possible increased Fiscal Year 2009 funding appropriated under potential Congressional actions such as The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the total expected number of awards may increase.

For more information, see the full solicitation.

Last updated: 03/02/2009

Funding amounts and schedules are subject to change.