Request for Information on Offshore Wind Transmission System Integration Research Needs

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is seeking information from the public on research needs for integration of large-scale offshore wind energy generation into the transmission grid. In addition to input on overall research priorities, topics of interest include technical means to enhance transmission utilization and mitigate congestion; updates to system integration studies and analyses in view of anticipated offshore wind development; and priorities for improvements to data, models, and analytical tools. Responses are due Jan. 24, 2021.

This RFI is intended to inform WETO's strategic planning on research aimed at lowering the cost of integrating offshore wind power into the grid, while enhancing system reliability and resiliency. Learn more about WETO's systems integration R&D activities, which are coordinated with other DOE technology offices through the Grid Modernization Initiative.

This RFI also supports DOE's Energy Storage Grand Challenge, which draws on the extensive research capabilities of the DOE National Laboratories, universities, and industry to accelerate the development of energy-storage technologies and sustain American global leadership in the energy storage technologies of the future.

U.S. Departments of the Interior and Energy Launch New Collaboration for Improved Safety and Environmental Stewardship in Offshore Energy Exploration and Production Operations

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and DOE have issued a FOA for up to $40 million, over a 5-year period, for the Operation and Maintenance of the Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI 2.0) to support additional improvements in safety and environmental sustainability in offshore energy exploration and production.

Through a 5-year project agreement, the agencies will jointly support a world-class program of R&D related to offshore oil, natural gas, wind, and marine hydrokinetic energy production, with a focus on safety, environmental monitoring, and operational improvements. The institution receiving the award will be responsible for managing OESI, providing input on yearly objectives, carrying out the R&D program, and conducting certain work to further the attainment of those objectives.

DOE | www.grants.gov