DoE Secretary Steven Chu said the funds would come from the Recovery Act, and added that the key aim is to support the deployment of turbines and control systems.
The funds are to be competitively awarded in two categories – above and below 50MW – and key features of successful non-federal schemes will be not requiring significant modifications or regulatory delay.
DoE said Letters of Intent are to be received by 22 July and the deadline for applications is 20 August. Projects are expected to start in fiscal year 2010.
Chu added that hydro – especially pumped storage – complemented the development of other renewables, such as wind and solar, because of the ability to store energy.
‘Therefore, improving our hydro infrastructure can help to increase the utilisation and economic viability of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power,’ said Chu.
Further details of the scheme, DE-FOA-0000120, can be viewed at FedConnect.net (https://www.fedconnect.net).
