Energy Department Announces $100 Million In Funding To Refurbish US Coal Plants

The Department of Energy has allocated $100 million to revitalize existing coal-fired power plants. This funding aims to modernize and improve the efficiency and lifespan of these facilities. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated this initiative supports affordable energy access and the US coal industry. The funding follows a previous $625 million investment to expand and invigorate the coal industry. The Trump administration is working to reverse the decline in coal use nationwide, undoing previous policies against coal. This includes identifying coal resources on federal lands and prioritizing coal leasing. The DOE has launched initiatives promoting coal-powered electricity generation. Despite these efforts, coal consumption has decreased due to competition from natural gas and renewables. The EIA projects a significant decline in coal-fired power plant capacity by 2028. Notably, the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions will experience the largest share of retirements.