November 16, 2009—U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced on November 4 up to $30.6 million in Recovery Act funding for the selection of seven hydropower projects that modernize hydropower infrastructure by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts at existing facilities. The expanded hydro generation projects reportedly have estimated incremental costs of less than 4 cents per kWh on average.
The selections will deploy innovative technologies such as high-efficiency, fish-friendly turbines, improved water intakes, and advanced control systems in order to increase power generation and improve environmental stewardship.
DOE sought cost-shared projects that upgrade existing hydropower facilities without requiring significant civil works modifications to dams, allowing for them to be developed quickly to help create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The solicitation sought two classes of projects: those larger than 50 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity and those of 50 MW or smaller.
The selected projects will increase generation by an estimated 187,000 MWh/year, or enough to meet the annual electric usage of more than 12,000 homes. This incremental generation is virtually carbon free, and it represents a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 110,000 tons per year compared to electricity from the average U.S. grid, says DOE.
The following projects were selected: Alabama Power Company (for a project in Mitchell, Alabama); Alcoa, Inc. (for a project in Robbinsville, North Carolina); City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities (for a project in Potlatch, Washington); The City of Boulder, Colorado (for a project in Boulder, Colorado); Energy Northwest (for a project in Packwood, Washington); Incorporated County of Los Alamos, New Mexico (for a project in Los Alamos, New Mexico); and North Little Rock Electric Department (for a project in Little Rock, Arizona).
Following negotiation of final funding amounts, projects are expected to begin in 2010.
