Budget plan seeks nearly $50 million boost for offshore wind development

The White House fiscal year 2011 budget plan seeks a 53 percent boost in Energy Department wind power R&D to support new efforts to tap massive offshore wind resources.

The White House is requesting $123 million for DoE’s wind program, a $43 million increase over current spending. The funding includes $49 million for several activities to support coastal wind power, which is in its infancy in the U.S.

"Investments will address common barriers and risks to offshore projects – financial, regulatory, technical, environmental, and social. Specific activities include: assessment of offshore wind resources and environmental impacts; R&D related to cost-effective offshore foundations, enhanced turbine reliability, domestically manufactured components and specialized installation vessels; and design and planning of electrical cabling and utility interconnection," DoE’s budget plan states.

"The program will benefit the Nation by engaging all offshore energy stakeholders through interagency, Federal/State, and public/private collaboration to support DOE goals of clean, affordable, reliable domestic energy supply," it adds.

Developers are already eyeing projects off Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states.