DOE to Provide Up To $32M to Increase Generation from Existing Hydropower Facilities

The US Department of Energy will award up to $32 million in Recovery Act funding to modernize the existing hydropower infrastructure in the US, increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The funding is designed to support the deployment of turbines and control technologies to increase power generation and environmental stewardship at existing non-Federal hydroelectric facilities.

At the announcement of the funding, Energy Secretary Steven Chu noted that another key benefit of hydropower is that potential hydro energy can be stored behind dams and released when it is most needed. Improving the hydro infrastructure can help to increase the utilization and economic viability of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

The funding will be competitively awarded to a variety of non-Federal hydropower projects that can be developed without significant modifications to dams and with a minimum of regulatory delay. Projects will be selected in two areas: one from projects greater than 50 MW, the other for projects smaller than 50 MW.

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement number, DE-FOA-0000120, can be viewed at FedConnect.net. Projects are expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2010.