I 
117TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 9432 
To establish the Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Program, 
and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
DECEMBER 6, 2022 
Mr. BOWMAN (for himself and Mr. WEBER of Texas) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
A BILL 
To establish the Airborne Wind Energy Research and 
Development Program, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Airborne Wind Energy 
Research and Development Act’’. 
SEC. 2. AIRBORNE WIND ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVEL-
OPMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Energy shall establish a research, development, dem-
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onstration, and commercial application program to be 
known as the ‘‘Airborne Wind Energy Research and De-
velopment Program’’ (in this section referred to as the 
‘‘Program’’) to improve understanding of the following: 
(1) The quantity, quality, and complementary 
nature of wind resources at elevations above 200 me-
ters. 
(2) Various airborne wind energy concepts 
through modeling and simulation, including power 
density, robust controls, and scaling potential. 
(3) Potential benefits of airborne wind energy, 
such as portability, low material inputs, viewshed, 
and existing grid interconnections. 
(4) Environmental impacts of airborne wind en-
ergy technology. 
(5) Noise and visual impacts, as well as any 
other human impacts of airborne wind energy tech-
nology. 
(b) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out the Program, the 
Secretary of Energy shall carry out research, development, 
demonstration, and commercial application activities to 
improve the following: 
(1) Wind resource data capabilities in the 
200m–800m elevation range onshore and offshore, 
including mesoscale modeling techniques. 
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(2) Airborne wind energy designs and tech-
nologies, including the following: 
(A) Generators and generator placement. 
(B) Design load and structural integrity 
across varying concepts, including soft and rigid 
wings. 
(C) Tether technologies. 
(D) Flight operation, such as flying cross-
wind or remaining stationary. 
(E) Takeoff and landing, including autono-
mous landings. 
(3) Understanding of social and environmental 
impacts of airborne wind energy on wildlife, nearby 
communities, radar, and airspace, as well as any 
other concerns. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—The fol-
lowing are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the 
Program: 
(1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2023. 
(2) $5,250,000 for fiscal year 2024. 
(3) $5,512,500 for fiscal year 2025. 
(4) $5,788,125 for fiscal year 2026. 
(5) $6,077,531 for fiscal year 2027. 
Æ 
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