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Show Me the Money: New Grant Solicitation for Development of a Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility
6/24/2009
On June 23, 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement ("FOA") called "Recovery Act: Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility." This FOA is for the design and construction of a large dynamometer facility (a dynamometer is a device used to test a motor or engine for efficiency and torque) for testing 5 to 15 MW-rated drivetrains (the components that transmit the flow of power from the engine to the wheels). The proposed facility can consist of entirely new construction or a redesigned and modified building so long as it can house large pieces of equipment and provide sophisticated electrical and mechanical support. Ideally, the facility should incorporate office space and other amenities. Applicants will be required to submit detailed multi-phase plans including concept designs, preliminary designs, engineering procurement and construction contract management plans, and operation and maintenance plans.
The FOA sets out very specific and detailed requirements for both the facility and the tests to be conducted on-site. Successful applicants will submit a plan that includes a demonstration of independent long-term operation and maintenance. The applicant's ability to leverage DOE funds through cost sharing will be another prime factor considered in the selection of applications, as will the facility's proximity to sea ports and rail. Applicants must also show the ability to perform the work and experience in all of the following: (1) drivetrain testing, (2) business management and operation of industrial facilities, and (3) development of an independent, end-user facility.
The DOE will award only one $45 million grant on a competitive basis, and the timelines are extremely short. Applicants must submit a letter of intent by July 15, 2009 and a full application by August 3, 2009. The required cost share is 35% (25% in special circumstances), and performance is expected over five years. The prime applicant must be a state or local government, university, or nonprofit. Industry and National Laboratory involvement is permitted but not required. Potential end users of the facility may not be part of the team because of potential conflicts of interest.
Seattle, Washington
David Benson at (206) 386-7584 or dlbenson@stoel.com
Janet F. Jacobs at (206) 386-7582 or jfjacobs@stoel.com
J. Graham Noyes at (206) 386-7615 or jgnoyes@stoel.com
John Laney at (206) 386-7559 or jslaney@stoel.com
Portland, Oregon
Marcus Wood at (503) 294-9434 or mwood@stoel.com
Bill Holmes at (503) 294-9207 or whholmes@stoel.com
Dina Dubson at (503) 294-9675 or dmdubson@stoel.com
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Greg Jenner at (612) 373-8857 or gfjenner@stoel.com
Debra Frimerman at (612) 373-8819 or dhfrimerman@stoel.com
Sacramento, California
John McKinsey at (916) 319-4746 or jamckinsey@stoel.com
Seth Hilton at (916) 319-4749 or sdhilton@stoel.com
Boise, Idaho
John Eustermann at (208) 387-4218 or jmeustermann@stoel.com
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