US Department of Energy Invests $18M to Advance Marine and Offshore Wind Energy Technologies

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced over $18 million in funding for 27 research and development (R&D) projects aimed at driving innovation in marine energy and offshore wind technologies. These initiatives, spanning 17 universities—including five minority-serving institutions—seek to address key challenges in ocean renewable energy and expand its deployment.

Unlocking the Potential of Marine Energy

Marine energy holds immense promise, with the US DOE estimating its potential to be nearly 60% of the country’s total power generation capacity. Even harnessing a fraction of this resource could significantly bolster the nation’s energy supply. Floating offshore wind also presents a vast opportunity, with a potential capacity of 2.8 TW, more than double the current US electricity consumption.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Marootian highlighted the transformative potential of marine energy:

“The oceans hold incredible potential for renewable energy to power homes, businesses, and even offshore work such as marine research.”

Key Projects and Institutions

The funded projects aim to generate publicly available data, create test platforms, and explore synergies between marine energy, offshore wind, and aquaculture.

• Oregon State University and Rutgers University each received $500,000 to advance marine energy device performance.

• University of Michigan secured two awards totaling nearly $1.5 million.

• Boston University, California Polytechnic State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and University of New Hampshire received grants ranging from $375,000 to $497,000.

  
  

In addition, funding supports undergraduate research and senior design projects at institutions such as Baldwin Wallace University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with each receiving approximately $500,000.

Pioneering Renewable Energy Solutions

SwitcH2’s partnership with Swedish firm CorPower Ocean exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the marine energy sector. Together, they are developing a floating green ammonia production facility powered by a combination of wind, solar, and wave energy, showcasing the diverse applications of marine energy technologies.

Future of Marine Energy

A European study predicts that wave energy could rival offshore wind in cost-effectiveness by the 2030s, further solidifying its role in the renewable energy landscape. With these investments, the DOE continues to foster innovation, support talent development, and drive sustainable solutions for a greener future.