Energy Department Accepts Applications for Hydropower Incentive Program

The Energy Department’s incentive program for developers adds hydroelectric power generating capabilities to existing non-powered dams throughout the U.S.

Hydropower, a renewable energy source, helps save over 200 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, while providing about 7% of electricity in the U.S. More than 80,000 non-powered dams throughout the country provide services such as regulating local waterways and controlling inland navigation.

Equipping local, non-powered dams with generating capabilities has the potential to provide up to 12 gigawatts of cost-competitive, renewable energy at a lower cost than creating new powered dam structures, without impacting critical habitats, parks or wilderness areas. The funding opportunity supports developers who have already added electrical generating capacity to these existing facilities.

Source: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy