A US not-for-profit organisation has received a $4 million (£2.6m) funding for what is believed to be the nation’s first planned freshwater offshore wind project.

The Department of Energy (DoE) provided the cash to the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) for a year-long advanced technology demonstration programme.

The ‘Icebreaker’ project will include five to nine wind turbines, with 20MW to 30MW of capacity, seven miles off the coast of Cleveland in Lake Erie (pictured). LEEDCo’s private partners, which includes Siemens AG, Freshwater Wind and Western Reserve University also plan to contribute an additional $1 million (£0.6m) for the project.

Dr Lorry Wagner, LEEDCo President said: “We are very pleased to be able to assemble this team of experts with the experience and drive to deliver on the potential for wind power on the Great Lakes. In one year, we will provide the federal Government with a strong plan to provide clean, affordable and reliable offshore wind power to the electric grid and Northeast Ohio customers.”

Icebreaker is one of seven offshore wind power projects to receive federal funding and consists of 12 partner organisations, including European firms. DOE will evaluate the results of the seven advanced demonstration projects and select up to three of those to receive an additional $46 million (£29.7m) in funding for four years.