California Construction News staff writer
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) was awarded $8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to help strengthen grid infrastructure.
Funding includes $3 million for the Power Plant 2 (PP2) Tailings Stability and Slope Restoration project and $5 million for the Elderberry Dam Tailrace Sediment Removal project at the Castaic Power Plant (CPP).
“These projects underscore our continued commitment to innovative solutions that benefit the environment, but most importantly the communities we serve,” said Janisse Quinoñes, CEO and Chief Engineer of LADWP. “With the financial support from our federal partners, we are more empowered than ever to fulfill our mission of delivering clean, reliable energy to all our customers and creating a more resilient energy landscape for generations to come.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office announced the selection of 247 hydroelectric projects to receive over $430 million. The goal is to fast-track the implementation of innovative projects that will play a crucial role in strengthening hydroelectric infrastructure across the nation and ensure communities have access to affordable, reliable clean power when they need it.
LADWP will use the grant at two of the power plants in Los Angeles to improve and ensure the reliable operation of three vertical reaction turbine generators originally placed in service almost 100 years ago. One of the power plants not only provides zero-emission electricity to the City of Los Angeles but will also play a vital role in responding reliably and quickly to changing generation and grid demands.
