ARPA-E Looks to Bolster Offshore Wind Turbines Aptitude with New Funding Announcement

The Department of Energy recently released a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for $28 million geared towards the development of new technologies for floating, offshore wind turbines (FOWTS) using control co-design methodologies. The projects will be part of the Aerodynamic Turbines, Lighter and Afloat, with Nautical Technologies and Integrated Servo-control (ATLANTIS) program, which falls under DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency energy (ARPA-E).

“The United States has 13,000 miles of shoreline, which is a huge opportunity to lead the world in capitalizing offshore wind,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “The ATLANTIS projects will help advance American offshore wind production and the accompanying job, manufacturing, and investment growth for the nation.“

The control co-design discipline convenes various engineering disciplines to work in tandem when designing a device. It allows project teams to develop innovative new ways to build FOWTS that wouldn’t be feasible under a more traditional design method. Successful ATLANTIS projects must use design methods that maximize power to weight rations while maintain or increasing turbine efficiency.

To submit a FOA application, click here: https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/#FoaIdf22d5af9-3c00-4dc6-b1b2-53adf72d0841