Launched in 2013, the CIP supports manufacturers of distributed wind technology – typically small and medium scale wind turbines – through competitively-awarded, cost-shared projects aiming to: 1) optimise designs for increased energy production and grid support; 2) test turbines and components to national standards to verify performance and safety; and 3) develop advanced manufacturing processes to reduce hardware costs. Beyond funding support, awardees can receive technical assistance from NREL to improve their turbine designs and testing plans. Since 2013, NREL has awarded 36 subcontracts to 20 companies, totalling US$7.75 million of funding, while leveraging US$3.79 million in additional private-sector investment. The selections add US$2.6 million in DOE funding, bringing the total DOE commitment to over US$10 million, and leveraging over US$5 million in industry cost-share.
