DOE Unveils $100M Initiative to Modernize Coal Plants Amid Energy Policy Shifts

By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 31 October 2025 06:15 PM EDT
The Department of Energy has announced a new $100 million funding opportunity to refurbish and modernize the nation’s coal-fired power plants. The initiative, outlined in a newly issued Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), aims to extend plant lifetimes, boost efficiency, and strengthen the reliability of the U.S. power grid.

This follows the DOE’s September plan to invest $625 million to revitalize the U.S. coal industry. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated in a release that previous administrations “relentlessly targeted America’s coal industry and workers,” leading to plant closures and higher electricity costs. He credited President [Donald] Trump for ending this “war on American coal” and restoring policies prioritizing Americans.

The NOFO invites projects focusing on advanced wastewater management, retrofits enabling coal-to-gas fuel flexibility, and efficient coal-natural gas co-firing systems. Selected projects will be managed by the DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory under the Office of Fossil Energy. Applications are due by Jan. 7, 2026.

Newsmax writer Eric Mack contributed to this report.