Miles SmithA Louisiana program that looks to improve energy grid resilience and provide reliable access to power during hurricanes and other severe weather events is receiving $249 million in federal grants to help fund pilot projects located around the state.
The U.S. Department of Energy is releasing the funding through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Job Act funding to support Louisiana’s Hubs for Energy Resilient Operation (HERO) program.
The HERO program is investing up to $5 billion in projects that are new approaches to transmission, distribution, storage and regional resilience, the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) says.
RELATED: Federal Highway Administration investing $104 million in Louisiana infrastructure projects
Projects include enhancing access to power at hubs that often serve as a last resort for residents seeking shelter during and after storms.
Pilot projects receiving HERO funding include:
- $20.5 million for upgrades at the Sewerage and Water Board West Power Complex in New Orleans.
- $7 million in HERO funding for a Bio Safety Level 3 Facility in New Iberia.
- $3.6 million for Terrebonne Parish Civic Center in Houma.
- $2.68 million in HERO funding for energy resilience at National Guard Gillis W. Long Center in Carville.
- $2.6 million for energy resilience at National Guard Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge.
- $2.6 million for energy resilience at National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Hammond.
- $2.6 million for energy resilience at National Guard Chennault Airport at Lake Charles.
- $2 million for a deployable battery hub in Kenner.
- $1.69 million for a deployable battery hub in Bossier City.
- $1.2 million for energy resilience at Dillard University in New Orleans.
In addition to the federal grant, the HERO program is drawing $249 million in matching funds from state partners that include the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, City of New Orleans, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Together Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Total matching funds include $22 million from the state general fund over the life of the eight-year project.
DOE initially announced the award amount in 2023, but the funds were not released until DENR worked with DOE on final approval of projects the funding would be used to support.
Photo courtesy Arcadeparamount
