The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected three offshore wind demonstrations to receive up to $47m each to advance the second phase of its offshore wind advanced technology demonstration initiative.

Offsore wind

Fishermen’s Energy, Principle Power and Dominion Virginia Power will receive the funds over the next four years to deploy grid-connected systems in federal and state waters by 2017.

The three companies were selected from seven demonstration projects that each won $4m in backing from the DOE in 2012.

Fishermen’s Energy will install five 5MW direct-drive wind turbines in state waters about three miles off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Principle Power will install five 6MW direct-drive wind turbines approximately 18 miles off the coast of Coos Bay, Oregon.

Dominion Virginia Power will install two 6MW direct-drive wind turbines 26 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach.

Both Dominion and Fishermen’s projects will use twisted jacket foundations while Principle Power will utilize semi-submersible floating foundation.

US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said offshore wind offers a large, untapped energy resource for the country that can create several manufacturing, construction and supply chain jobs and drive billions of dollars in local economic investment.

"The Energy Department is working with public and private partners to harness this untapped resource in a sustainable and economic manner," Moniz said.

"The offshore wind projects announced today further this commitment — bringing more clean, renewable energy to our homes and businesses, diversifying our energy portfolio, and reducing costs through innovation."

Image: The three projects are located off the coast of New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia. Photo: Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net.