U.S. coal plants to receive $100 million boost under new DOE modernization program

U.S. coal plants are set to benefit from a $100 million modernization program launched by the Department of Energy (DOE) to refurbish, repower, and extend the life of the nation’s coal-fired power stations. Managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance while maintaining dispatchable baseload capacity for the grid.

Funding will target three priority areas:

• Advanced wastewater recovery and heat-rate optimization, reducing emissions and operating costs.
• Retrofit and repowering designs that enable co-firing with natural gas or biomass, cutting carbon intensity while preserving flexibility.
• Deployment of next-generation control and combustion systems to improve integration with renewables and extend plant lifetimes.

According to the DOE, the program supports both energy security and regional job creation by sustaining skilled engineering and maintenance roles in coal-dependent communities. It also aligns with U.S. policy goals to ensure a reliable transition toward a cleaner, balanced energy system.

Applications are open until 7 January 2026.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy