DOE Allocates $175M to Modernize Coal Plants for Grid Reliability

The Facts -

The Department of Energy Allocates $175 Million to Revitalize Rural Coal-Fired Power Plants

In a significant move to enhance the energy infrastructure in rural America, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has declared a $175 million investment. This funding is directed at modernizing and extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants, which are crucial for providing reliable energy to remote communities while maintaining affordable electricity rates.

This initiative is part of a larger $525 million plan by the Department of Energy, aiming to rejuvenate the country’s coal fleet. By implementing strategic upgrades, the initiative seeks to boost efficiency, prolong plant operations, and enhance capacity using existing infrastructure connected to the national grid. This approach is seen as an economical and swift method to ensure a constant power supply while safeguarding high-paying energy jobs, particularly in the Appalachian region.

"For years, previous administrations targeted America’s coal industry and the workers who power our country, forcing the premature closure of reliable plants, and driving up electricity costs," expressed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "President Trump has ended the war on American coal and is restoring common-sense energy policy. These investments will keep America’s coal plants operating, keep costs low for Americans, and ensure we have the reliable power needed to keep the lights on and power our future."

The measures align with President Trump’s Executive Orders, Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid. These executive orders aim to restore energy policies that emphasize reliability, cost-effectiveness, and support for American workers.

With the increasing demand for electricity, ensuring a steady and reliable generation of power is crucial. By upgrading existing coal facilities, the DOE strengthens America's power grid, securing dependable energy access for communities nationwide.

Selected Projects for Modernization

The selected projects under the DOE's funding include:

• Appalachian Power Company: Upgrades at Mountaineer Power Plant in Letart and John E. Amos Power Plant in Winfield, West Virginia.
• Buckeye Power Inc.: Enhancements at Cardinal Plant Units 1 and 2 in Brilliant, Ohio, targeting critical system upgrades.
• Duke Energy Carolinas LLC: Improvements at Belews Creek Steam Station's two coal-fired units in Sauratown Township, North Carolina.
• Kentucky Utilities Corporation: Increasing the annual capacity factor of Unit 2 at the Ghent Generating Station in Ghent, Kentucky.
• Monongahela Power Company: Upgrading the Fort Martin Power Station in Maidsville, West Virginia, which consists of two coal-fired units.
• Ohio Valley Electric Corporation: Enhancements to all five coal-fired units at the Kyger Creek Station in Cheshire, Ohio.

For a comprehensive list of the selected projects, view a detailed list of the selected projects. The DOE anticipates additional project selections in the future under the Broad Agency Announcement’s remaining Topic Area.

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