U.S. coal power plants serving rural and remote communities will receive $175 million in federal funding for upgrades and life-extension projects aimed at strengthening grid reliability and maintaining affordable electricity supplies.
On February 11, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $175 million in funding to modernise and extend the life of coal-fired power plants serving rural and remote communities.
The initiative focuses on upgrading existing facilities to improve reliability, efficiency and affordability as electricity demand grows.
The move underscores ongoing concerns about grid stability and the role of dispatchable power in maintaining secure energy supplies.
The funding will support six projects aimed at retrofitting coal plants across several states, including upgrades to critical systems, capacity improvements and life-extension measures.
Officials argue that modernising existing infrastructure is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to ensure dependable electricity while preserving jobs in coal-dependent regions.
The announcement reflects a broader policy shift toward maintaining firm generation capacity as renewable penetration increases and power systems face greater variability.
Source: U.S Dept. of Energy
