The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has declared the allocation of incentive payments amounting to $71.5 million, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to 46 hydroelectric projects spread across 19 states. The initiative is designed to enhance the generation efficiency of the nation's existing hydropower fleet.
According to the DOE Grid Deployment Office, these investments are intended to strengthen the operational longevity of the U.S. hydropower fleet, thereby contributing to a more reliable and resilient electric grid system. The beneficiaries of these efficiency incentives, which include hydroelectric facilities nationwide, will embark on capital improvements that will lead to an average efficiency enhancement of 14%, with a statutory minimum improvement of 3% per facility. These enhancements involve upgrades to turbines and generators as well as improvements to water conveyance structures. According to a press release by DOE, these hydroelectric efficiency improvement incentives form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at maintaining and improving existing hydroelectric facilities in the U.S., ensuring uninterrupted provision of clean, renewable electricity while addressing dam safety and minimizing environmental impacts.
"Hydropower is the nation’s prototype of renewable power playing an important role in deploying affordable and reliable electricity across the country," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in a press release by DOE. "Thanks to the President’s Investing in America agenda we are maintaining and expanding our hydropower fleets, helping reduce costs of operation and ensuring American workers continue to drive the nation’s clean energy transition."
The DOE Grid Deployment Office (GDO) holds a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing critical generation facilities such as hydropower and nuclear energy. Operating through three divisions—generation credits, transmission, and grid modernization—the GDO works closely with energy sector stakeholders. According to information provided by DOE on its GDO About webpage, it aims at bolstering grid resilience and expanding transmission and distribution systems in order to ensure the provision of reliable and affordable electricity.
