Funding the future of hydropower progress

Department of Energy Hydropower Grants

As we look for better ways to fight climate change, we’re turning to more sustainable energy sources—like water. Thanks to funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts (IIJA), there are new opportunities to improve hydropower facilities and repair dams to generate clean energy.

Our hydropower clients turned to our North American Funding Program (NAFP) for help accessing federal money from the U.S. Department of Energy. Using our technical and grant-writing expertise, we supported applications for upgrades at seven hydroelectric dam sites for multiple clients. These upgrades included new flow control systems, structural reinforcements, and upgraded generators.

Several projects received full or partial funding, totaling $18 million in grant awards. This funding is part of the largest single investment in US hydropower infrastructure and helps keep these facilities safe and efficient.

The benefits didn’t stop at infrastructure. As part of the grant process, we helped our clients create community benefit plans. These plans included commitments to local hiring, workforce agreements, and partnerships with nonprofits—allowing the community to share in the project’s success. With this support, NAFP is helping longtime clients modernize renewable energy systems, improve performance, and deliver affordable power while protecting downstream communities.