DOE to Invest $625 Million to Keep Coal Plants Up and Power Costs Down
Today, the Department of Energy announced it will direct $625 million toward ensuring critical coal plants remain online, preventing closures that would drive up energy costs and undermine grid reliability. The effort reflects the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to protecting affordable and reliable electricity for working families.
Fox Business reports,
“The $625 million investment includes $350 million to modernize coal plants with reliable electric power and capacity; $175 million for coal projects that are expected to bring cheaper, more reliable energy to rural communities; $50 million to upgrade wastewater management systems to extend the lifespan of coal plants and reduce operating costs; $25 million to enable coal power plants to operate on dual fuel; and $25 million to support investments that will maintain boiler efficiency and reliability when utilizing 100% natural gas.”
According to the Energy Information Administration, over the last week, coal has been routinely the second-highest producer of electricity in the United States, while wind and solar power never break into the top 3. Wind and solar power received $369 billion in support from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act while Monday’s DOE announcement invests less than 0.2 percent of that amount into coal.
”For years, eco-elites cheered as coal plants were forced to close, leaving families stuck with higher bills and devastating communities, but now common sense is winning,” said Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director for Power The Future. “Americans know you cannot run a modern economy on failed promises and solar panels alone, so these plants will continue to pump out power as we work to meet the energy challenges of the future. This is a victory for workers and for anyone who flips a switch and expects the lights to come on.”
Just last month, we released a report outlining the looming electricity affordability crisis. The report recommended that the administration work to stop coal plant closures and increase coal capacity following the closure of around 400 fossil fuel plants since 2010.
Families deserve affordable, reliable electricity, and today’s announcement is proof that coal is still an essential part of America’s energy future.
September 29, 2025