The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on June 30 granted funding under the Recovery Act up to $32 million for augmenting existing hydropower capabilities.
Issuing the announcement, DOE Secretary Steven Chu said the funding will be put toward turbines and technologies to increase power generation and environmental goals at private hydroelectric plants. Hydropower is a clear factor in addressing energy concerns and will serve to bolster the economy, reduce pollution and steer the United States toward energy independence, Chu said.
Hydropower has the unique ability to be stored behind dams so that it can be put to use as needed, he explained.
Meanwhile, at the state level, Massachusetts announced on July 1 a first-of-its-kind ocean management plan that includes areas for commercial-scale wind energy development and wave and tidal energy facilities, along with new environmental protections. The state Oceans Act of 2008 requires the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan. The draft plan is open to public review and comment. Hearings will be held in September as part of the mandate of finalizing a plan by the end of 2009.
