This fall edition of the Wind Program R&D Newsletter comes at an exciting time for the Wind Program.

Advancements in next-generation wind energy technologies are allowing the Wind Program to reach new heights and push the boundaries of innovation further than ever before.  This past May, I had the opportunity to announce the recipients of funding that will help establish some of the country’s first grid-connected offshore wind projects by 2017. These projects, located off the coasts of New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia represent the pinnacle of Wind Program R&D that will help establish our nation’s clean energy future for generations to come. Knowing that proper research best informs future success, we recently released two new reports that assess the feasibility of offshore wind grid connectivity and highlight the offshore wind industry’s progress throughout the past year.

While the Wind Program’s offshore wind projects represent some of the next “big” things in wind energy, we are also working to expand the role of smaller, distributed wind systems as an integral part of the country’s wind energy framework.  As the Wind Program works to enhance our existing grid infrastructure, the more than 72,000 turbines in distributed applications have allowed wind energy to reach some of the furthest corners of the country, bringing renewable energy to schools, homes, and businesses.

Adding to our existing project portfolio, this past year, the Wind Program–through various funding opportunities–has initiated new efforts to enhance wind energy systems, increase hub heights, improve forecasting and modeling capabilities, and is working to support America’s land-based and emerging offshore wind industries.

I look forward to celebrating future wind energy success and hope to engage with all of the participants at this year’s AWEA Offshore WINDPOWER Conference and Exposition.  Come by the Department of Energy Booth (#200) for an opportunity to learn more about our ongoing initiatives!


Sincerely,
Jose Zayas
Director, Wind and Water Power Technologies Office
@EnergyZayas