The
early-stage
research
and
development
projects
will
focus
on
reducing
the
cost
of
wind
energy
by
increasing
component
reliability,
or
redesigning
drivetrains
to
eliminate
the
need
for
some
components
altogether.
Increased
component
reliability
means
lower
operations
and
maintenance
costs
over
the
lifetime
of
a
wind
turbine.
Other
projects
receiving
funding
will
work
to
increase
the
amount
of
energy
drivetrains
can
produce
or
help
develop
designs
that
minimise
the
use
of
rare
earth
materials.
Each
project
has
been
selected
to
receive
up
to
$700,000
to
conduct
technology
cost
and
readiness
assessments
during
a
six-month
Phase…
