US announces $5.2 million of wind power funding

• 13 years ago (2010-09-13)
• Junior Isles

North America 1004 Renewables 757

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US Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the Department of Energy is awarding more than $5 million to support US wind energy development.

Two projects receiving $3.4 million  for two years are for improving short-term wind forecasting. Three other projects will receive $1.8 million to boost the speed and scale of mid-size wind turbine technology development and deployment.

The grants are aimed at helping the US reach its goal of doubling its renewable energy capacity in order to promote environmental sustainability and energy security while creating clean energy jobs.

“Wind power holds enormous potential to help reach our nation’s clean energy goals,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s awards will help better integrate wind energy into the electrical grid and will support the development of midsize wind turbines that can be used to provide renewable electricity in communities across the country.”

With better forecasting, utilities can more reliably connect variable power sources such as wind energy with electricity grids, and can decrease the need for back-up energy sources such as natural gas or hydropower.