The U.S.-Danish Floating Offshore Wind Energy Mooring and Anchoring Research and Development Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DE-FOA-0003362, is issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) through the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO). The purpose of this initiative is to support collaborative research between U.S. and Danish entities to advance the commercialization of floating offshore wind energy technologies, specifically in mooring and anchoring. The program emphasizes fostering bilateral collaboration, improving research impacts in both nations, and supporting minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in the U.S. The Danish partner entities receive funding through Innovation Fund Denmark under a corresponding opportunity.

The program's main objectives include advancing cost-effective commercialization of floating offshore wind energy mooring technologies, enhancing U.S.-Danish bilateral research collaborations, and encouraging participation of U.S. MSIs in offshore wind energy research. This initiative seeks to establish stronger ties between MSIs, industry participants, and other researchers, broadening the impact and inclusivity of research efforts in this sector.

The total estimated funding for this program is $2,100,000, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. Approximately six awards are anticipated. The funding mechanism for U.S. participants will be a cooperative agreement, and cost-sharing is not required. The funding supports a range of eligible entities, with no restrictions stated, but applicants should consult the FOA for further clarification. This opportunity aligns with Assistance Listings 81.087, which covers Renewable Energy Research and Development.

To apply, applicants must submit a full proposal by January 17, 2025, an extended deadline from the original date of January 14, 2025. Interested parties can access the full FOA document via the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange. Modifications to the announcement include updates to cost-sharing provisions for Tribes and Tribal Nations, revisions to the Code of Federal Regulations, and additional information regarding Innovation Fund Denmark’s parallel funding opportunities.

Evaluation criteria for submissions focus on the potential for advancing the commercialization of offshore wind technologies, the quality and feasibility of proposed research collaborations, and the inclusion of MSIs and other diverse entities in the project. Priority will also be given to proposals that demonstrate strong bilateral collaboration and significant industry engagement.

For questions or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact the FOA Mailbox at WETOFOA@ee.doe.gov. Additional information is available on the EERE Exchange website, and potential applicants are encouraged to review the full FOA document to ensure compliance with all requirements and to maximize the impact of their submission.