Funding to float expanded US water power tech
S. Himmelstein | May 10, 2023The modernization of hydroelectric power and expansion of marine energy technology throughout the U.S. is the focus of a new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiative.
The agency will provide $554 million in incentive payments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to maintain and enhance hydroelectric facilities. An additional $45 million funding opportunity is slated to support a pilot demonstration site and community-led tidal and current energy project. These initiatives are expected to play a key role in achieving President Biden’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050.
Hydropower currently provides 6% of all electricity in the U.S. and accounts for 32% of renewable-electricity generation, as well as 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the fleet is aging with many facilities in need of repair and upgrades. Adding generation equipment to these sites could add up to 12 GW of new
Source: DOE hydropower capacity to the national electric system.
The Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives initiative is designed to enhance existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities for capital improvements directly related to grid resilience, dam safety and environmental improvements. Potential eligible capital improvements include improvements that enable the integration of variable resources, such as wind and solar; improvements for dam safety, such as spillway upgrades and erosion repair; and improvements in environmental conditions, such as fish passage, water quality and recreation. Letters of Intent to submit full applications under the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives are due June 22, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET.
Funds are also allocated to support the development of a pilot tidal and current energy technology demonstration site in state waters. Concept papers for this topic area are due 5 p.m. ET on June 5, 2023. Concept papers pertaining to a community-led tidal and current energy planning and development project are due 5 p.m. ET on July 13, 2023.
