Maryland Higher Education Commission

Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Research Challenge Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) set a goal that 20% of our nation's energy consumption would derive from wind by the year 2030, as well as a strategy to achieve it. Maryland, like other states views offshore wind energy as a positive economic development associated with supply chain and infrastructure investment, and job creation. Governor Martin O’Malley is working to position Maryland as an industry leader in renewable energies such as offshore wind.  The Governor worked to ensure that the merger of Exelon and Constellation Energy provided commensurate public benefits to Maryland.  Among the commitments resulting from that process, a one-time research funding opportunity is made available to Maryland’s public higher education institutions for research related to the deployment of offshore wind energy in Maryland. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 has been signed into law. For additional information see:  http://governor.maryland.gov/wind.asp

Maryland public two- and four-year higher education institutions are invited to submit an application for a one time research grant to support the deployment of the offshore wind energy industry in the State. Awards will range from $250,000 to $1,000,000 in support of two-year research projects. At least three awards are anticipated.

This grant program, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and guided by the technical expertise of the Maryland Energy Administration aims to harness the vision, expertise and ambition of Maryland’s higher education research community by supporting efforts to establish new or enhance existing expertise and capacity in offshore wind energy research, technology development, and deployment. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects or research topics that will be perpetuated with additional funding sources beyond the activities for this specific funding.  Refer to the full Request for Applications posted below for more information.

A technical assistance meeting was held February 28, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, 60 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Information from the meeting is posted at the end of the page.

CHANGE NOTICE

Refer to the Change Notice Document for details (PDF)

1. The submission date for applications is extended to: Monday, May 13th, 2013 by 4:00 pm. 
   Please note the date changes in the revised RFA documents at the bottom of the page.

2. The timetable for the award decision has been updated.
   Please note the date changes in the revised RFA documents at the bottom of the page

3. Applicants may request up to $6,000 in travel funds in the application to attend the European Offshore Wind Conference.

EXTENDED APPLICATION DUE DATE - MAY 13, 2013
Send application  to:
Melinda Vann
Director, Outreach and Grants Management
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty Street, 10^th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201

Offshore Wind Energy Challenge RFA (DOC)                    Proposed Grant Budget Spreadsheet (XLS)

Offshore Wind Energy Challenge RFA (PDF)                     Proposed Grant Budget Spreadsheet (PDF)

Offshore Wind Energy Challenge Technical Assistance Meeting FEB 28PowerPoint

 Offshore Wind Energy Challenge Technical Assistance Meeting Invitees

Maritime Applied Physics Corporation Presentation (PPT) and (PDF)

Presentation by Mr. Dirk Scheelje, Ministry of Science and Education of the German State of Schleswig-Holstein

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Research Topics (PDF)

For more information contact Melinda Vann at mvann@mhec.state.md.us or Ross Tyler at RTyler@energy.state.md.us