The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 46 hydroelectric projects to receive up to $71.5 million in incentive payments. The purpose of the program is to increase the generation efficiency of the country’s existing hydropower fleet. Funding for the programs is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with the Grid Deployment Office handling administrative needs. According to the DOE, the Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentive program is expected to generate $468 million in combined federal and private investment.
In a recent quote, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said, “Hydropower is the nation’s prototype of renewable power playing an important role in deploying affordable and reliable electricity across the country. 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.”