The Biden Administration announced big plans to develop next-generation floating wind turbines, according to The Verge. This is a significant improvement in the previous plans of the government regarding offshore wind ambitions.
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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the 45th annual Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute gala on September 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. Biden touted his administration's record on issues related to the Hispanic community in this, Hispanic Heritage Month.
Almost 60 percent of the offshore wind resources of the US are greater than 60 meters deep. By 2025, the Biden administration wants to deploy 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind capacity that will be sufficient enough to power over five million American homes.
Therefore, the Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced almost $50 million of funding to research and develop floating offshore wind technologies. They will also work together with the US Departments of Energy,Interior, Commerce, and Transportation through the "Floating Offshore Wind Shot."
The Floating Offshore Wind Shot's primary goal is for the technology to reach $45 per megawatt by 2035, in which case, it will lower the costs of floating offshore wind energy by 70 percent.
By the end of the year, the Department of Interior's (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management aims to hold the first lease auction for floating offshore wind technology by the end of the year.
The Biden administration has also moved to open the country's coastlines to offshore wind. Unfortunately, the results are not significant yet on the East Coast. Still, the government is making efforts to improve that as Biden committed to growing the East Coast's capacity to 30 GW by 2030.
Offshore Wind Today
Offshore wind power is a viable and reliable source of renewable energy and it is still in its nascent stage. These projects can grow rapidly in the coming years, thereby giving reprieve to countries suffering from climate change.
The U.S. still has a long way to go to meet its goal of relying on renewable energy sources. However, the Department of Interior and the Department of Energy are taking the necessary steps to make it possible to reach the target.
The country's offshore wind resources are vast and are increasing exponentially. With the presence of offshore wind technology in the country, the potential of having a greener environment is possible.
Renewable energy is the future and the country needs to start taking steps in the right direction. Wind energy is considered one of the most viable forms of clean energy and it should be utilized all over. With offshore wind technology, it will be possible to tap even deeper resources from the oceans.
In the future, a completely renewable energy source will be possible. The government's initiative might just be the first step to achieving the goal. These innovative technologies are setting the standard for other countries to follow. The potential of offshore wind energy is not limited to the US alone.
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Written by April Fowell
