The Water Power Technologies Office opened applications for the second phase of the Hydropower Testing Network, inviting hydropower technology developers to apply to receive testing support from the network of 18 test facilities.
Water Power Technologies Office
September 18, 2024
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) today opened applications for the second phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN), which aims to connect hydropower technology developers to testing capability providers. Hydropower technology developers can now apply to receive testing support from the network of 18 test facilities.
"Hydropower facilities contribute significantly to the flexibility and stability of the electricity grid, and these benefits will become even more important as variable renewable energy resources like wind and solar continue to come online,” said Matthew Grosso, WPTO acting director. “We are eager to help hydropower developers advance their technologies faster by connecting them with U.S.-based test facilities and technical expertise."
Hydropower accounts for nearly 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and 5.7% of the country’s total utility-scale electricity generation. However, for this resource to make the most impact in the clean energy transition, U.S. hydropower facilities will need upgrades and new technologies will need to be developed. This requires access to a wide range of testing capabilities to help boost the readiness of hydropower innovations. HyTN’s 18 test facilities currently offer more than 40 capabilities, ranging from hydraulic testing to biological and aquatic testing.
WPTO invites for-profit companies, nonprofit research organizations, and academic institutions developing hydropower technologies to apply for testing support. Selected developers will receive vouchers to implement targeted physical testing activities that advance technology readiness. Technologies of interest include but are not limited to:
- Hydropower powertrain equipment
- Structures, materials, and repair processes
- Electrical, electronic, and cybersecurity devices
- Environmental mitigation technology.
Selected developers will be matched with one of their preferred HyTN test facilities. Facilities and developers will then scope and begin testing activities to be carried out over the calendar year.
Prospective technology developers should submit their application on the ENERGYWERX page by 3 p.m. ET on October 30, 2024. Please see the ENERGYWERX page for submission details and eligibility requirements.
The HyTN voucher opportunity is funded by WPTO. The program is managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative partnership intermediary agreement set up by DOE's Office of Technology Transitions.
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