Gracie WarhurstThe Department of Energy (DOE) will $71.5 million available to 46 hydroelectric projects across 19 states through via Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentive payments. The funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and is the DOE’s largest investment in hydroelectric facilities to date.
The funds will help expand hydropower fleets, improving and upgrading the facilities’ turbines, generators and conveyance structures to increase generation efficiency.
“Hydropower is the nation’s prototype of renewable power playing an important role in deploying affordable and reliable electricity across the country,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement.
Award recipients have an average facility age of 75 years. By ensuring their operation and longevity, the inventive payments will help enable the projects’ role in water supply, flood control and recreation.
Hydropower is a form of clean energy that currently represents 27% of renewable electricity generation in the U.S. The DOE’s funding is estimated to improve the hydroelectric facilities efficiency by an average of 14%.
PacifiCorp will receive $7.1 million for two projects in Oregon and $7.3 million for two projects in Idaho. Green Mountain Power will receive almost $3 million for two projects in Vermont.
Among the 40 other projects:
- Tennessee Valley Authority will receive $5 million for a project in Tennessee.
- Springfield Water & Sewer will receive $5 million for a project in Massachusetts.
- Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation will receive $3.4 million for a project in New York.
- Elevate Power LLC will receive $1.9 million for a project in Maine.
