Secretary Chu Announces New Investments in Cutting-Edge Wind Energy Research Facilities

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Recovery Act funding to support wind energy technology research, development, and career education opportunities at three U.S. universities

October 15, 2009 – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced new investments today in three university-led wind energy research facilities that will enhance the United States’ leadership role in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world.  The funding is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the research will focus on improving both land-based and offshore wind generation.

“Wind power has the potential to provide 20 percent of our electricity and create hundreds of thousands of jobs,” said Secretary Chu.  “We need to position the United States as the clear leader in this industry, or watch these high-paying jobs go overseas.  The investment we’re making today will help ensure that America has both the talent and the technology we need to compete.”

Three university-led consortia [University of Maine, University of Minnesota and Illinois Institute of Technology] have been selected for up to $24 million to support university research and development programs to improve land-based and offshore wind turbine performance and reliability, as well as provide career educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in wind energy technologies. The three competitively selected, university-led projects will include partners from private industry, state and local governments, and other universities.  The projects selected today support the Obama Administration’s focus on increasing clean energy generation, while supporting the long-term development of a clean energy workforce.   Read the full DOE press release >>

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