((a)) ** In general** The Secretary shall carry out a program of financial assistance to—

((1)) facilitate the production and generation of coal-based power, through the deployment of clean coal electric generating equipment and processes that, compared to equipment or processes that are in operation on a full scale—

((A)) improve—

((i)) energy efficiency; or

((ii)) environmental performance consistent with relevant Federal and State clean air requirements, including those promulgated under the Clean Air Act ( et seq.); and

((B)) are not yet cost competitive; and

((2)) facilitate the utilization of existing coal-based electricity generation plants through projects that—

((A)) deploy advanced air pollution control equipment and processes; and

((B)) are designed to voluntarily enhance environmental performance above current applicable obligations under the Clean Air Act and State implementation efforts pursuant to such Act.

((b)) ** Financial criteria** As determined by the Secretary for a particular project, financial assistance under this subchapter shall be in the form of—

((1)) cost-sharing of an appropriate percentage of the total project cost, not to exceed 50 percent as calculated under ; or

((2)) financial assistance, including grants, cooperative agreements, or loans as authorized under this Act or other statutory authority of the Secretary.