WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Arctura Inc. in South Kingstown will be receiving a $1.15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop an innovative wind turbine blade coating to reduce damage caused by lightning.

Lightning damage to wind turbines is one of the largest expenses for wind farm operators. An innovative blade coating is being developed in this project to reduce blade damage caused by lightning that can be applied to both existing and future turbines.

Arctura Inc. was one of 110 small businesses selected by the DOE in recognition of their work on advanced scientific tools and clean, secure energy for the American people in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals.

“Small businesses are the backbone of American communities, representing some of our best opportunities to make the clean energy innovations our country needs to meet President Biden’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “These funding awards will help small businesses take their work to the next level, expand their operations and create new jobs, and be part of the fight against the existential crisis of our time – climate change.”

“This is an example of federal dollars helping a local small business do important work that could reduce the cost of wind energy by improving the resilience and effectiveness of wind turbines,” said Senator Reed. “I will continue working to deliver federal funds to accelerate research into new technologies that could power our clean energy future and help grow jobs and opportunities in Rhode Island.”

“Clean energy leadership requires big investments in emerging technology,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m thrilled to see this federal funding headed to an innovative Rhode Island company.  This award will bolster the Ocean State’s leadership on offshore wind, and help us to develop an advanced and resilient energy grid primed for growth.”

“Now is the time to invest in sustainable energy, so that we can protect our environment and deliver affordable, clean power to Rhode Island homes and businesses for generations to come,” said Representative Jim Langevin. “This federal funding will help prevent costly lightning damage to wind turbines, reducing downtime and enabling the Ocean State to continue leading the way on innovative wind energy solutions.”

“Rhode Island is a leader in the clean energy industry,” said Representative David Cicilline. “This federal grant will allow Rhode Island and it’s small businesses to be the gold standard when it comes to reaching our country’s clean energy goals.”