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  Hydrokinetic News

DOE offers $200m to boost solar, marine and hydro technologies

The US Department of Energy will invest more than $200 million over the next five years in solar and water power technologies throughout the United States.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced on yesterday’s Earth Day that the funding woud go to help develop and commercialize alternative energy technologies to create manufacturing jobs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The grants will help overcome technical barriers and demonstrate new technologies, he said.

These investments will help strengthen American competitiveness in renewable energy” - Secretary Steven Chu

Some $125 million will go towards solar photovoltaic manufacturing-related projects over five years.

A further $40 million will be available for solar photovoltaic supply chain projects over the next three years.

And, a $4.5 million pot will go to boost training for solar professionals via the Solar Instructor Training Network.

Meanwhile, $39 million will be provided for research and development in marine and hydrokinetic energy technology areas, the Department said yesterday.

Secretary Chu said: “Expanding the U.S. clean-energy manufacturing base is an important part of the Administration’s goals to diversify electricity supply options, increase national security, and accelerate green jobs development.

“These investments will help strengthen American competitiveness in renewable energy and transform the U.S. into a lasting manufacturing presence in the 21st century clean-energy economy,” added Sec. Chu.

Photovoltaic manufacturing

For the $125 million Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative, the Department has set a deadline for concept papers to be handed in by June 3, 2010, while full applications are due in early August.

The initiative will invest in manufacturing-focused research projects that have a “near and mid-term impact” on the US solar industry, the Department said.

Funding will be available for two topic areas – university-focused development and industry-focused development, both of which will involve collaborative research to accelerate manufacturing-related technologies.

Photovoltaic Supply Chain

For those seeking funding for PV supply chain development projects, applications are due July 2, 2010.

The funding will support projects that accelerate products and processes that will have a “major” impact on the solar PV supply chain, helping to cut the cost of solar manufacturing.

In particular, the DOE said it is seeking projects that would show a potential impact on a “substantial” segment of the PV industry within two to five years.

Examples might include lower-cost coating materials, electrical components with improved performance, processes to cut manufacturing waste or speed up the manufacturing cycle.

Solar training

Funding for the Solar Instructor Training Network will support a central co-ordinating body for the Network created in 2009 by the DOE.

The Network seeks to establish training systems for those involved in sales, design, installation, commissioning and inspection of solar photovoltaic, heating and cooling systems.

Nine regional training providers have already been selected, but the new National Administrator will manage the collaboration of the Network members, allowing for the sharing of best practice and providing a national point of contact for the organization.

Applications to become the Network’s National Administrator are due June 15, 2010.

Marine and Hydrokinetic

In the marine and hydrokinetic sectors – seeking renewable energy from the movement of water – the US Department of Energy said its $39m initiative will focus on wave power, tidal power, hydropower and ocean thermal projects.

The funding will seek to accelerate the technology and commercial readiness of emerging technology, it said.

It will lever in private sector investment, with the aim of moving technology toward commercialization, the DOE said.

Applications are due June 7, 2010.