Office: Water Power Technologies Office
FOA number: DE-FOA-0002802
Link to apply: Apply on EERE Exchange
FOA Amount: $10 million

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office issued a $10 million funding opportunity to support studies that facilitate the licensing and eventual construction and commissioning of new pumped storage hydropower (PSH) facilities. This effort will enable increased integration of variable renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, and support power system decarbonization while improving grid reliability.

Activities also support the broader, government-wide approach to create U.S. jobs if the proposed PSH projects supported by this funding progress toward construction and commissioning. These activities will help to maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition as the nation works to curb the climate crisis, empower workers, and advance environmental justice.

As of 2021, PSH accounted for 93% of utility-scale energy storage in the United States. New PSH projects require preliminary studies on site design, interconnection, and market analysis. The costs associated with these studies can be substantial, and their complexity, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving power system, can demand analytical expertise from external consultants beyond that required for many other renewable energy and battery storage projects. Additionally, a robust effort to gain social acceptance and stakeholder buy-in, including from tribal partners, will be an essential component of any new PSH project in the United States. This funding opportunity seeks to address these challenges and help progress new PSH projects toward commissioning.

This funding opportunity and any related activities will seek to encourage meaningful engagement and participation of workforce organizations, including labor unions, as well as underserved communities and underrepresented groups, including consultation with tribal nations. This funding opportunity is also designed to help meet the goal that 40% of the benefits of the administration’s investments in clean energy and climate solutions be delivered to disadvantaged communities.

DOE anticipates making one award under this funding opportunity.

Topic Area: PSH Development Studies

This funding opportunity seeks applications to support studies that facilitate the licensing and eventual construction and commissioning of new PSH facilities. Proposed PSH plants eligible for support will enable long-duration storage of intermittent renewable electricity located on tribal lands and support broader power system decarbonization.

Key Dates

FOA Issue Date: 

Oct. 19, 2022

Submission Deadline for Letter of Intent: 

Nov. 17, 2022, 5 p.m. ET

Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 

Dec. 15, 2022, 5 p.m. ET

Expected Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments:

Feb. 2, 2023, 5 p.m. ET

Expected Date for DOE Selection Notifications: 

March 2023

Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations: 

March–May 2023

Additional Information