The U.S. Department of Energy announced on April 27, 2026, that it will resume negotiations to issue $430 million in payments to American hydropower facilities. The funding supports 293 projects at 212 facilities across 33 states selected by the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program. The Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) now manages the program and expects to begin distributing payments in the coming months.
What it means
The payments are designated for projects that improve grid resiliency, dam safety, and compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. According to the Department of Energy, this funding has catalyzed a total investment of $2.8 billion in America’s hydropower fleet when combined with private investments. Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson said American hydropower is a key component of the Administration’s vision for an affordable, reliable energy system and that these actions will modernize the fleet and bolster the domestic workforce.
Hydropower currently accounts for 5.86% of total U.S. utility-scale energy generation. Pumped storage hydropower accounts for 88% of all utility-scale energy storage.
Key facts
- $430 million in payments to be issued to American hydropower facilities
- 293 projects selected by the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program
- 212 hydropower facilities receiving funds
- Facilities located across 33 states
- $2.8 billion total investment in America’s hydropower fleet catalyzed by DOE funding combined with private investments, according to the Department of Energy
- Hydropower accounts for 5.86% of total U.S. utility-scale energy generation
- Pumped storage hydropower accounts for 88% of all utility-scale energy storage
Source: U.S. Department of Energy news release (energy.gov)