To potentially support the full-scale testing of MHK wave energy devices, the Water Power Program intends to evaluate site locations, designs, and estimated costs for an open water, fully energetic domestic wave test facility. It is expected that a viable grid-connected facility will be capable of testing both scaled prototypes and full-scale (utility-scale) wave energy conversion devices in order to evolve reliable, low cost, renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuel. Prototype testing is essential to mature existing wave technologies, validate performance against analytic models, demonstrate compliance with applicable design standards and thereby mitigate the technical and financial risk of developing and deploying mass-produced wave energy devices, plants, technologies and related products. Construction and operation of a full-scale domestic wave test facility will assist the U.S. industry by identifying design and manufacturing deficiencies early in the development cycle and validate modifications and improvements prior to commercial deployment. Ultimately, this new testing capability will improve the country’s competitiveness in MHK energy technology, encourage domestic manufacturing, job creation, and provide a new technology that utilizes an untapped renewable resource to help achieve the nation’s energy goals.
This FOA is intended to identify possible site locations and evaluate the potential to establish a national wave testing facility within U.S. territorial waters.
Letters of Intent are requested, but NOT required. The deadline for Letters of Intent is 7/26/2013 at 5 pm EST. Please submit Letters of Intent to Testing_Infrastructure_FOA@go.doe.gov.