Dam It, Take the Credit! (Then a Drink): Federal Hydropower Tax Credit/Direct Pay Education and Discussion, plus Happy Hour
CLEAN CURRENTS 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:45 PM
Day: 9/22/2026
Room Number: 105 A
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This half-day workshop is designed to help attendees "get smart" on all things related to tax credits and direct pay.
Throughout the afternoon, you'll hear from tax experts who will share their knowledge and insights and answer your questions.
You'll also hear from several asset owners and project developers who are moving forward with applying for the tax credits and/or direct pay. They will share what they are learning and offer advice and recommendations.
We'll also leave plenty of time for informal networking and one-on-one discussions with the workshop faculty.
DETAILED AGENDA
Introduction: Malcolm Woolf, NHA's CEO
Panel 1: Setting the Scene: Hydropower Tax Credits 101
This session, moderated by Kathleen Robertson of NHA, will provide an in-depth discussion of the basics of hydropower tax credits, including prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PW/A) requirements, distinction between ITC and PTC and considerations for election, direct pay, and transferability.
Panel 2: Operationalizing Hydropower Tax Incentives in a Changing Policy
This session, moderated by Jeff Leahey of SMI (invited), will dive deeper on the novel elements of the tax credits to keep in mind, including new supply chain requirements imposed in 2025. It will highlight rapidly shifting supply chain-related opportunities and requirements such as the domestic content safe harbor and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provisions.
As hydropower projects navigate a more complex policy and compliance environment, panelists will share practical perspectives on how utilities and their partners are interpreting guidance, managing uncertainty, and making investment decisions.
Panel 3: Who's Already Using This Opportunity and What Have They Learned?
This moderator-led session will explore how the industry diving into this opportunity, including assessing supply chain, construction, operational, and long-term management constraints. The discussion will elicit practical insights into how organizations are confirming eligibility and compliance, documenting processes, and adjusting procurement, contracting, and financing strategies where needed.
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