Project scores $4 million in federal funds

Oregon may get its first offshore wind power project, after the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $4 million for a demonstration project off Coos Bay.

Seattle’s Principle Power plans to install five semi-submersiblr floating foundations outfitted with 6-megawatt wind turbines. The project will be 10 to 15 miless offshore.

The federal agency awarded seven similar grants to help launch a domestic offshore wind industry. Each project will receive up to $4 million to complete engineering, design and permitting. Later, up to three of the projects will be eligible for up to $47 million over four years, subject to Congressional appropriation, to pay for siting, construction and installation costs.