Washington, D.C., United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that up to US $7.5 million in federal funding is now available for research and development to help advance the viability and cost-competitiveness of advanced water power systems. Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DOE seeks partnerships with U.S. industry and universities to develop technologies capable of harnessing water power energy resources, including ocean wave, tidal, current and other water-based resources.
The FOA will provide industry-led partnerships the opportunity to conduct research on engineering standards and codes, utility grid interconnection issues associated with water technologies, technical sitting requirements and wave and tidal resources assessments. The DOE also plans to award grants to university-led groups to conduct advanced research on marine renewable energy.
“Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. Using environmentally responsible technologies, we have a tremendous opportunity to harness energy produced from ocean waves, tides or ocean currents, free flowing water in rivers and other water resources to advance the Administration’s comprehensive energy strategy and provide clean and reliable power in the United States,” said Andy Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Completed applications for this FOA are due June 16, 2008. DOE anticipates awarding up to 17 grants and projects are expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2008. The continuation of projects beyond FY 2008 is subject to Congressional appropriations. Interested applicants can access a copy of the FOA at Grants.gov.
