{"id":51015,"date":"2024-09-06T09:13:53","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T08:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=51015"},"modified":"2024-11-22T11:43:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T11:43:27","slug":"doe-invests-430m-to-modernise-us-hydroelectric-power-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/doe-invests-430m-to-modernise-us-hydroelectric-power-plants\/51015\/","title":{"rendered":"DOE invests $430m to modernise US hydroelectric power plants"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States Government has announced a significant investment in hydroelectric power through the Department of Energy (DOE).<\/h2>\n

Under the ‘Investing in America’ initiative, the DOE will allocate up to $430m to improve 293 hydroelectric energy projects across 33 states.<\/p>\n

These efforts, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of America’s ageing hydroelectric power infrastructure<\/a> while safeguarding thousands of jobs.<\/p>\n

What is hydroelectric power?<\/h3>\n

Hydroelectric power, commonly known as hydropower, harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity.<\/a><\/p>\n

Typically, water is stored in reservoirs behind dams and released through turbines, producing electricity as it flows.<\/p>\n

Hydropower is the oldest and one of the most reliable forms of renewable energy, first used in the US nearly 150 years ago.<\/p>\n

One of the key benefits of hydroelectric power is its ability to generate large amounts of electricity with low emissions, making it a clean energy source.<\/p>\n

Moreover, hydropower facilities can double as energy storage, helping to stabilise the grid during times of high demand.<\/p>\n

The role of hydropower in US energy production<\/h3>\n

In the United States, hydropower is responsible for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation and accounts for an impressive 93% of utility-scale energy storage.<\/p>\n

Despite its essential role in clean energy production, many hydropower facilities have been in operation for decades\u201479 years on average\u2014making upgrades vital to their continued operation.<\/p>\n

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\u00a9shutterstock\/Tupungato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The DOE’s new investment aims to address the challenges facing these ageing facilities by modernising key components and ensuring they remain a cornerstone of America’s renewable energy landscape.<\/p>\n

Key areas of investment<\/h3>\n

The 293 selected projects will enhance grid resilience, improve dam safety, and protect thousands of jobs. Among the key areas targeted for investment are:<\/p>\n