Department of Energy Announces up to $32 Million Initiative to Expand Hydropower
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $32 million in Recovery Act funding to modernize the existing hydropower infrastructure in the U.S. -- thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The funding will promote the deployment of turbines and control technologies that will increase power generation and environmental stewardship at existing non-federal hydroelectric facilities.
“There’s no one solution to the energy crisis, but hydropower is clearly part of the solution and represents a major opportunity to create more clean energy jobs,” said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. “Investing in our existing hydropower infrastructure will strengthen our economy, reduce pollution and help us toward energy independence.”
One key benefit of hydropower is that potential hydro energy can be stored behind dams and released when it is most needed. Improving hydro infrastructure, therefore, can help support the availability and economic viability of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. DOE is committed to further developing pumped storage technology to harness these advantages.
Today’s funding opportunity announcement under the Recovery Act will be competitively awarded to a variety of non-federal hydropower projects that can be developed quickly -- without significant modifications to dams and with little regulatory delay. Projects are expected to begin in fiscal year 2010.
For Additional Information: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=195
Alison Pruitt is a freelance writer/editor living near Washington DC. She has written about a variety of issues, including education, healthcare, IT, the arts, and energy/environment -- and has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy. She has a B.A. from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Rutgers University.
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