Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Act

Bill: 117-hr-9432
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Bowman, Jamaal [D-NY-16]
Introduced: 2022-12-06
Policy area: Energy
Latest action: action_date: 2022-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Summaries:
action_date: 2022-12-06
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Act</b></p> <p>This bill requires the Department of Energy to establish the Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Program to improve understanding of, among other elements, wind resources and wind energy concepts.</p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9432 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.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development Act . 2. Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development 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, demonstration, and commercial application program to be known as the Airborne Wind Energy Research and Development 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 meters. (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 energy technology. (5) Noise and visual impacts, as well as any other human impacts of airborne wind energy technology. (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. (2) Airborne wind energy designs and technologies, 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 crosswind or remaining stationary. (E) Takeoff and landing, including autonomous 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 following 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.