BSEE, DOE offer grant for offshore safety research institute

Washington — The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Department of Energy have established a five-year grant opportunity of up to $40 million for the operation and maintenance of a revamped independent research institute focused on fostering the safety of offshore energy operations, the agencies announced Nov. 23.

The initiative – comprising government, academia and scientific experts – is intended to enhance the range of the Ocean Energy Safety Institute to include considerations concerning offshore renewable energy development, oil and gas protection and development, and offshore-related technologies.

In a BSEE press release, the agency, which established OESI in 2013, states that although the research institute will operate independently of DOE and BSEE, both will remain “substantially involved” via a joint steering committee that will provide input on plans as well as review and approve all major deliverables.

“Our nation’s energy, economic and national security rely on our all-of-the-above approach to producing safe, reliable and resilient energy,” Deputy Energy Secretary Mark Menezes said in the release. “Through federal collaboration and a cross-sector approach, we can increase support for offshore energy production while protecting our workers and the marine environment.”

BSEE Director Scott Angelle added that the initiative “will ensure offshore energy exploration and production remain safe and environmentally sustainable” and “benefit America for years to come.”

Grant applications, due Dec. 28, must be submitted electronically.