Collegiate Competitions Help Supercharge the Clean Energy Workforce

Project Name: Hydropower and Marine Energy STEM and Workforce Development

Project Team: ​​​​National Renewable Energy Laboratory (lead) and the Hydropower Foundation (on the Hydropower Collegiate Competition)

Hydropower Collegiate Competition Teams: Columbia University; Cornell University; Endicott College; Georgia Institute of Technology (partnering with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Michigan, University of Rochester, and University of Georgia); Northern Arizona University; Pennsylvania State University; Texas Tech University; University of Houston; University of Virginia; and Yale University

Marine Energy Collegiate Competition Teams: California Polytechnic State University; California State University Fresno (partnering with University of California Merced); California State University San Marcos; Cornell University; Manhattan College; Michigan Technological University; North Carolina A&T State University (partnering with University of North Carolina Wilmington); Oakland University; Oregon State University; Purdue University; Stevens Institute of Technology; Texas A&M University at Galveston; University of California Riverside; University of Houston; University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; University of Michigan (partnering with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University); University of New Hampshire; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (partnering with Instituto Superior Técnico and University of Michigan); and Webb Institute 

In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named the winners of the inaugural Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC) and the fourth annual, but first in-person (due to COVID), Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC). The final events for both competitions were held in conjunction with the National Hydropower Association’s Waterpower Week 2023 in Washington, D.C. 

Through these competitions, DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and its partners are helping train, equip, and inspire the next generation of the water power workforce to ensure the hydropower and marine energy sectors play a key role in meeting the nation’s goals of a clean electricity sector by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050. 

The competitions provide college students with real-world hydropower and marine energy experience, which will prepare them for jobs in these sectors in roles ranging from engineers and manufacturers to financial analysts and communications specialists.

Throughout the HCC, 10 student-led teams analyzed a case study on how hydropower fits into a future power grid supported by 100% clean energy and the opportunities and challenges of incorporating the hydropower fleet into this vision. They also provided solutions that can help hydropower fully support a clean energy grid.

The 19 student-led teams in the MECC developed designs and business plans to power blue economy activities using a range of marine energy technologies. Eighteen competitors also tested prototypes of their designs in test tanks across the country. 

Teams in both competitions also participated in the Connections Creations Contest, where they led outreach activities within the water power industry and their local communities. This contest encouraged students to connect with professionals in the water power industry, gaining insights into common challenges, exploring career pathways, and practicing their networking skills. 

Additionally, many teams organized educational events in their local communities, such as presentations to middle school classes or campus clubs, to share their knowledge about water power and gain public speaking experience.

At the final event, and in front of an audience of about 500 industry professionals, several teams received awards for their hard work. Notably, the team from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, won awards for first place and the Case Study Contest in the HCC. The University of New Hampshire team won awards for first place and Best Pitch in the MECC. The audience gave a standing ovation to all teams, creating a moving moment to close the competitions.

Both competitions are funded by WPTO and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the Hydropower Foundation also helps administer the HCC.