“Hydropower facilities significantly enhance the adaptability and resilience of the electricity grid, and these benefits will become increasingly vital as fluctuating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar continue to be deployed,” remarked Matthew Grosso, WPTO acting director. “We are eager to assist hydropower developers expedite their technologies by connecting them with U.S.-based testing facilities and technical expertise.”
Hydropower represents 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and nearly 6% of the country’s total utility-scale electricity production. However, for this resource to maximize its impact in the clean energy transition, U.S. hydropower facilities will require enhancements, and new technologies must be developed. This necessitates access to a wide range of testing capabilities to help accelerate the readiness of hydropower innovations. HyTN’s 18 testing facilities currently offer over 40 capabilities, spanning from hydraulic testing to biological and aquatic evaluations.
WPTO invites profit-making companies, nonprofit research institutions, and educational organizations developing hydropower technologies to apply for testing assistance. Selected developers will receive vouchers to conduct targeted physical testing activities that advance technology preparedness. Technologies of interest include but are not limited to:
- Hydropower energy generation equipment
- Structures, materials, and repair techniques
- Electrical, electronic, and cybersecurity devices
- Environmental mitigation technologies.
Chosen developers will be paired with one of their preferred HyTN testing facilities. Facilities and developers will then outline and initiate testing activities to be conducted throughout the calendar year.
The application deadline closed at 3 p.m. ET on October 30, 2024. Please visit the ENERGYWERX page for additional information.
The HyTN voucher opportunity is financed by WPTO. This program is overseen by ENERGYWERX in collaboration with DOE, a partnership made possible through an innovative intermediary agreement established by DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions.
