The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Friday a significant federal funding opportunity of up to $100 million aimed at restoring and modernizing coal power plants across the United States. This move, framed as an effort to boost grid reliability and affordability, aligns with policies championed by President Donald Trump.
The DOE issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) designed to “design, implement, test, and validate three strategic opportunities for refurbishment and retrofit” of existing coal facilities. The goal is to make these plants “operate more efficiently, reliably, and affordably,” signaling a shift toward strengthening the nation’s traditional energy infrastructure.
The announcement comes on the heels of an April 8 executive order by President Trump seeking to bolster the American coal industry. This contrasts sharply with the previous Biden administration, which energy policy experts and at least one grid official had warned could weaken the power grid by implementing stringent regulations that led to the closure of reliable power sources.
DOE Secretary Chris Wright was a vocal proponent of the action, stating on Friday, “President Trump has ended the war on American coal and is restoring common sense energy policies that put Americans first.”
Wright further criticized the preceding administrations, asserting that their policies “relentlessly targeted America’s coal industry and workers, resulting in the closure of reliable power plants and higher electricity costs.” The Secretary emphasized that the new projects are crucial to “help keep America’s coal plants operating and ensure the United States has the reliable and affordable power it needs to keep the lights on and power our future.”
The decision to invest in coal plants is rooted in growing concerns over the stability of the U.S. power grid. The DOE itself has issued several emergency orders to keep coal plants operational and has “sounded alarms” regarding the grid’s condition.
A July DOE grid reliability report projected that the nation could see blackouts increase by a factor of 100 if it continues to phase out reliable power sources—such as coal and nuclear—without sufficient replacements. This report underscored the warnings from experts who cautioned that the Biden administration’s preference for intermittent green energy sources, like wind and solar, over more consistent sources has compromised grid security in the name of combating climate change.
The Trump administration continues to push for a mix of coal and nuclear power to ensure energy stability.
READ: Trump Seeks Court Guidance To Fund SNAP Amid Shutdown, Blames Democrats For Delays
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
