Offshore wind is an enormous potential resource for the United States - with strong, consistent winds located in the Atlantic, Pacific, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. As part of a planned six-year $180 million initiative, an initial $20 million will be available from the DOE this year as the first step in supporting up to four innovative offshore wind energy installations across the U.S.

The Department will focus this latest research and demonstration initiative on highly innovative technologies that will achieve large cost reductions over existing offshore wind technologies. The demonstrations will help address key challenges associated with installing utility-scale offshore wind turbines, connecting offshore turbines to the power grid, and navigating new permitting and approval processes.

Applicants to the competitive solicitation are expected to form world-class consortia of energy project developers, equipment suppliers, research institutions, and marine installation specialists. Energy Department funds may be used to cover up to 80% of a project's design costs and 50% of the hardware and installation costs. Letters of intent are due on March 30 and applications are due on May 31, 2012.

For more information and application requirements for this funding opportunity, visit the Funding Opportunity Exchange website .