Commonwealth Hydropower Program

The Commonwealth Hydropower Program, administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC), provides targeted funding to enhance hydropower infrastructure within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MassCEC is a quasi-state economic development agency focused on growing the clean energy sector across the state. Through this initiative, the agency aims to increase energy output, improve the longevity of hydropower infrastructure, and reduce ecological impacts at eligible facilities. The current solicitation—Round 15 of the program—offers a total pool of $300,000 to be distributed across multiple awards. The program is designed for facilities that are either already certified under the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (MA RPS) or have a strong potential for such certification. Funding is available for a range of hydropower-related activities, including construction projects, new technology deployments, and feasibility studies. Specific examples include turbine upgrades, automation of controls, installation of minimum flow turbines, enhanced fish passage mechanisms, and feasibility analyses of new qualifying conduit hydropower facilities. The program also supports the deployment of advanced technologies such as fish-friendly hydropower, in-stream hydrokinetic power, and operational flexibility enhancements. Funding is capped at either $300,000 or 50% of the project’s total cost, whichever is lower. Awardees are required to provide a cost share of at least 50%, with a minimum of 20% in cash contributions. Eligibility for the program is limited to commercial, industrial, institutional, non-profit, or public entities that have site control and rights to the water source powering the facility. Projects must be in or serve Massachusetts electric distribution territories that contribute to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, or within a participating Massachusetts Municipal Lighting Plant (MLP) community. Facilities must be licensed by or determined to be non-jurisdictional under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), or have a determination as a qualifying conduit hydropower facility. Additionally, for MA RPS qualification, applicants typically require certification from the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), unless exempted via a conduit status. All applicants must secure a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game to document environmental consultation. Applications are due by April 7, 2026, and must be submitted to [email protected] with all required documents including the Commonwealth Hydro Application Form and Attachment A (signature form). A summary of the applicant’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is requested, along with any declarations of planned use of generative AI. Projects are expected to be completed within three years. Award decisions will follow a thorough review process that may include interviews and site visits, with selection decisions announced in June 2026. Evaluation criteria weigh project characteristics, benefits (energy, economic, environmental, and longevity), the clarity and feasibility of the scope and schedule, and the financial justification of the funding request. Project budgets must exclude general overhead and administrative costs and should focus on eligible direct costs like equipment, transport, subcontractor labor, and travel related to project implementation. Grantees must report generation data for five years post-construction. This program operates on an annual cycle and applicants who are unsuccessful or unable to meet timelines may reapply in future rounds. Questions about the program were due by March 2, 2026, with answers posted on March 10. Additional resources, including application templates and sample agreements, are available on the MassCEC website. The official contract will follow MassCEC’s standard Hydro Feasibility or Construction agreement templates.

Ensure regulatory compliance and strong environmental benefits; provide realistic schedules and clear project objectives; cost-effectiveness is key.