Renewable energy generation and electricity storage cannot thrive without adequately developed and maintained infrastructure. In a bid to modernize aging infrastructure in America, the US Department of Energy (DOE) plans to invest millions of dollars into more than 200 hydroelectric dams across the nation. This initiative forms part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America” agenda and aims to enhance these dams for sustainability.
DOE’s commitment: Revitalizing America’s aging hydroelectric dams
Hydropower currently provides nearly 27% of the US’ renewable electricity and accounts for 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the average age of the dams receiving aid is 79 years. Their deteriorating conditions prompted the American Society of Civil Engineers to assign a grade of D to the country’s dams in 2021. Clearly, many facilities are in urgent need of upgrades to ensure their safety and operational efficiency.
As such, DOE intends to allocate up to $430 million for 293 hydroelectric enhancement projects in 33 states. The funding, overseen by the department’s Grid Deployment Office, will cover up to 30% of the projects’ costs (approximately $5 million), with an additional $2.4 billion funded by private sector sources.
Jennifer M. Granholm, DOE Secretary, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating: “As our earliest form of renewable energy generation, hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years—and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring these long-standing facilities can continue the steady flow of clean power.”
Hydroelectric dam enhancements: Fostering resilience, safety, and eco-friendly practices
The projects will be focused on three key areas: improving grid resilience, enhancing dam safety, and driving environmental improvements.
To improve grid resilience, outdated equipment such as turbines, generators, and control systems will be upgraded. Replacing cables, transformers, and penstocks will also take place to better prepare the hydropower systems for extreme weather conditions.
Regarding safety, the aging infrastructure will need to be modernized in order to meet current safety standards. This includes essential repairs to emergency spillways, concrete replacements to prevent water seepage, and upgrades to gates and water control systems.
Importantly, the projects will emphasize eco-friendly enhancements. This notably includes the installation of fish ladders—which will help fish and other aquatic species navigate around dams—and implementing equipment that improves water quality, like specialized turbines that maintain oxygen levels.
Furthermore, investments will focus on expanding wildlife habitats and enhancing recreational facilities to encourage activities such as boating, hiking, and kayaking around these hydroelectric sites. Overall, these improvements will not only increase the efficiency of these sites, but they will also benefit local ecosystems and the surrounding communities.
Prioritizing hydroelectric upgrades for a clean, green future
These projects align with outgoing President Joe Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of the benefits of specific investments—particularly in federal climate, clean energy, and sustainable housing—are directed towards disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution and underinvestment.
What’s more, Granholm points out that these investments signify more than mere financial aid for these existing infrastructures: they demonstrate a commitment to preserving and improving a critical source of clean energy and promoting environmental responsibility in the US, all while “protecting thousands of American jobs.”
DOE intends to release a second round of funding for these projects next calendar year. A full list of selected projects will be made available online for public access.
Clearly, this significant investment in America’s hydroelectric dams will improve these infrastructures for the better and propel the nation towards a sustainable future. By enhancing these vital resources, these projects ensure cleaner power generation with minimal environmental impact. In turn, they can empower communities and properly harness the potential of renewable energy.