U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced the start of an initiative to capture the potential of wind energy off American coasts. Part of a planned six-year, $180 million initiative, an initial $20 million will be available this year as the first step in supporting up to four innovative offshore wind energy installations across the U.S.

These offshore wind projects are meant to accelerate the deployment of breakthrough wind power technologies that will help diversify our nation’s energy portfolio, promote economic development and launch a new industry in America.

“Developing all of our nation’s vast energy resources is an important part of President Obama’s blueprint for an American economy that uses all of America’s energy resources,” Chu said. “The new offshore wind energy initiative announced today will help to catalyze the development of offshore wind in America, supporting U.S. innovators as they seek to design and demonstrate next generation wind energy technologies. These investments are critical to ensuring that America remains competitive in this growing global industry that can drive new manufacturing, construction, installation and operation jobs across the country.” 

Letters of intent are due March 30 and applications are due May 31.

For more information, visit www.energy.gov.