Jan. 26, 2015 -- The U.S. Department of Energy has officially announced an incentive program for developers adding hydroelectric power generating capabilities to existing non-powered dams throughout the United States. As outlined in Section 242 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, $3.6 million in funding is available to owners or operators of qualified facilities based on the number of kilowatt hours of hydroelectric energy they generated in calendar year 2013.
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.
Qualified applicants may receive up to 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour for hydroelectric energy generated by the facility during the incentive period. Qualified owners or operators who have added hydroelectric generation to a non-powered dam or conduit after 2005, and where the facility was built prior to 2005, are eligible to apply. In order to qualify for the Section 242 Hydroelectric Production Incentive Program, applicants must review the final guidance and supply the required information. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 20, 2015.
Hydropower is the nation's leading source of renewable energy and helps the country avoid over 200 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, while providing about 7 percent electricity. More than 80,000 non-powered dams throughout the country provide services such as regulating local waterways and controlling inland navigation.
See also:
"Research reveals dramatic growth of global hydropower expected this decade"
"Hydropower Efficiency Act of 2013 signed into law by Pres. Obama"
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