Department of Energy announces $8.5 million in new projects to meet 2030 wind energy goal

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced $8.5 million in funding for 53 projects that support the development of a robust US wind energy sector and the US Administration's goal of generating 20% of US electricity from wind power by 2030.

“Wind energy is one of our most promising renewable energy sources,” said Secretary Chu. That’s why I’m pleased to make this announcement today. By continuing to make investments in renewable energy we can cut our dependence on foreign oil and invest in a clean energy agenda that creates jobs and puts money back into the pockets of consumers.”

The 53 projects are broken down into 4 categories, market acceptance, environmental impact, workforce development and distributed wind technology. Some examples of the projects that will recieve grants are: 

• American Planning Association (Chicago, IL) - Community Planning Strategies for Successful Wind Energy Implementation -  $100,000
• Energy Northwest (Richland, WA) - 20% Wind by 2030:  Overcoming the Challenges - $100,000
• Bat Conservation International, Inc. (Austin, TX) - Win(d) - Win(d) Solutions for Wind Developers and Bats - $118,800
• The Nature Conservancy (Minneapolis, MN) - Energy by Design: Science-Based Wind Energy Siting - $95,210
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Oklahoma City, OK) - Development of a National Safety Standard for Wind Turbine Maintenance Technicians - $400,000

This announcement comes on the heels of an announcement last week by the DOE that they will invest $93 million in the development of new wind energy projects.