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Announcements
WPTO Opens Technical Assistance Opportunity to Support Hydropower Project Development
WPTO opened an opportunity for hydropower developers, system operators, utilities, and other stakeholders to receive technical assistance on the development of hydropower hybrids and PSH. This technical assistance, provided by DOE national laboratories, will focus on supporting stakeholders' decision-making regarding potential projects. WPTO anticipates providing technical assistance to up to 18 projects. Each recipient will receive assistance valued between $200,000 and $1.25 million. The deadline for potential recipients to submit statements of interest is 5 p.m. ET on April 1, 2024.
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Biden-Harris Administration Opens Incentive Applications to Support Hydropower Across the Country
The Biden-Harris administration opened the application period for the Hydropower Incentives Program, focused on maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities to ensure generators continue to provide clean power, while improving dam safety and reducing environmental impacts. The program provide payments for electricity generated and sold during the 2023 calendar year at qualified facilities that either added generation equipment to dams and other water infrastructure or are constructed in an area with inadequate electric service. Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on April 23, 2024.
WPTO and MSRDC Announce Nearly $1.2 Million for Water Power Research Projects
WPTO and the Minority-Serving Institutions STEM Research and Development Consortium (MSRDC) announced nearly $1.2 million for high-impact water power research projects at minority-serving colleges and universities. The funding is part of WPTO's Seedlings for Universities initiative, which aims to seed research and development activities in academic institutions that do not have significant existing water power research portfolios. Of the five selected projects, two focus on hydropower.
DOE Selects 17 Projects to Improve Energy Security and Lower Costs in Rural and Remote Communities
DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations announced $366 million in funding for projects across the nation that will accelerate clean energy deployment in rural and remote areas. The selections include four projects that involve hydropower. These projects are located in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities that are disproportionally overburdened by pollution and historically underserved.
WPTO Publishes its 2022–2023 Accomplishments Report
WPTO recently released its 2022–2023 Accomplishments Report, which showcases more than 40 hydropower and marine energy successes from WPTO-funded projects at DOE national laboratories, companies, and academic institutions across the country. Learn more about WPTO's recent work and how the office is working to advance water power technologies and support our country’s clean energy goals.
Say Splash! WPTO Announces Winners of its Make a Splash Photo and Video Contest
WPTO announced the winners of its Make a Splash Photo and Video Contest, which showcases awe-inspiring content captured by professional and amateur photographers and videographers from across the country. The selections feature water power technologies across hydropower and marine energy research and development activities, infrastructure, and the people behind the sector.
Project Updates and Stories
Practical Engineering Visits PNNL to Learn About Fish Passage
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) hosted the team from the Practical Engineering YouTube channel to learn about fish passage research and development. They also toured the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' McNary Dam, a hydropower facility where the team viewed fish passage technologies in action. Watch the video to learn more about the importance of hydropower in the clean energy transition and why it is crucial to ensure facilities are designed and operated with a focus on sustainability and environmental safety.
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Oak Ridge National Laboratory Develops New Method to Monitor Grid Stability Using PSH
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville developed an algorithm to predict electric grid stability using signals from PSH projects. Researchers created a visualization interface that makes it easy for grid operators to monitor inertia using the algorithm and better prepare for potential grid instability. Validated with the help of utilities and power regulating authorities, this algorithm will provide critical situational awareness to grid operators as the United States continues to add variable renewable energy sources.
Water Power Professional Shares Her Career Journey
Everyone has a different journey to a career in water power. Some are born with the passion while others find their love for the sector later on. Our latest spotlight is on former WPTO Director Jennifer Garson. WPTO is special to Garson. It has been her professional home for more than five years. Now, as she prepares for her next challenge in the clean energy sector, Garson looks back at her accomplishments, learnings, and cherished moments at DOE and WPTO. See what inspires her and why accelerating the clean energy transition is so important.
Research Publications
WPTO Publishes Strategy on Advanced Manufacturing and Materials for Hydropower
WPTO released a strategy that identifies research and development priorities in advanced manufacturing and materials for the hydropower sector. Currently, the hydropower industry relies heavily on traditional manufacturing methods and materials. The benefits of adopting advanced manufacturing and materials applications to hydropower development remain largely unexplored and could unlock untapped potential for the sector. This strategy will guide WPTO's efforts related to hydropower and advanced manufacturing.
New Report Explores Investment Opportunities in Hydropower
A report published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by WPTO, provides a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and risks for investing in small- to medium-sized hydropower and PSH projects. Among other findings, the report found that medium-sized projects offer significant opportunities for low-impact hydropower development, and new technology innovations and the variety of sites on which hydropower could be developed present potential opportunities for future investment.
Events
WPTO and National Laboratory Events
Workshop on Conduit Hydropower Development in the U.S.
April 18, 1–3 p.m. ET, Virtual
Join ORNL and WPTO on April 18 for an interactive, virtual workshop that will discuss the opportunities and challenges for conduit hydropower development across the U.S. agricultural, municipal, and industrial sectors. ORNL will present the results of their Conduit Resource Assessment study and then move into facilitated breakout discussions about development challenges. These challenges will inform future DOE research and small hydropower programming.
See WPTO at These Events
Midwest Hydro Users Group Regional Meeting and 2024 Hydropower Collegiate Competition Final Event
Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines, Iowa, April 30–May 2, 2024
The National Hydropower Association and Midwest Hydro Users Group will host their annual Midwest regional meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, this spring. Stop by the WPTO booth to chat with staff and fellow stakeholders about some of the most exciting developments in hydropower. WPTO will also host the final event of the 2024 Hydropower Collegiate Competition, featuring students and faculty from more than 10 universities.
In Case You Missed It
ORNL Studies New Methods for Understanding Hydropower Reservoir Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Researchers at ORNL are working to accurately estimate the greenhouse gas emissions from different energy sources, including hydropower reservoirs. By collecting data from reservoirs across five southeastern states, researchers at ORNL are moving closer to better understanding how seasonal variations, algae growth, reservoir operations, and many other factors may impact emissions. Establishing consistent practices and measurements is an essential first step to determining the true impact of hydropower generation.
Social Spotlight
WPTO on Facebook
Happy #WaterWednesday💧! Dive into the latest updates from our Water Power Technologies Office:
💪We had a busy 2023! We ran five prizes, hosted two collegiate competitions, opened two funding opportunity announcements, teamed up with federal partners, and selected new funding and technical assistance recipients throughout the year. Watch this video to take a look back at our exciting work from the past year: https://youtu.be/QqZwbZE8tKA
📷We're thrilled to announce the 22 winners of the Make a Splash Photo + Video Contest! Videographers and photographers showcased awe-inspiring content highlighting water power technologies, research and development activities, infrastructure, and the incredible people and communities involved. Explore our winning submissions to witness the beauty of water power across the nation: https://www.energy.gov/.../us-department-energy-announces...
👷♀️The hydropower industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation! With over a quarter of its workforce aged 55+, building a robust workforce pipeline is paramount. Discover the diverse career paths available in hydropower, whether you possess technical or nontechnical skills. Explore more with our career map: https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-career-map
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Follow along on the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook channels for more water power content each week.
Making a Splash in the News
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DOE Awards $1.2 Million to Support Water Power Research at Minority-Serving Institutions, Hydro Review, Elizabeth Ingram, March 8, 2024
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U.S. DOE Opens Technical Assistance Opportunity for Hydropower Hybrids and Pumped Storage, Hydro Review, Elizabeth Ingram, March 4, 2024
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Biden Administration Taps $366M to Fund Clean Energy for Native American Tribes and Rural Areas, The Associated Press, Sophie Austin, Feb. 27, 2024
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Including Hydro Reservoir Operations in Hydrological Models Improves Freshwater Projections, Hydro Review, Elizabeth Ingram, Feb. 26, 2024
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ORNL Scientists Develop Method for Understanding GHG Emissions From Hydropower Reservoirs, Hydro Review, Elizabeth Ingram, Feb. 19, 2024
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DOE WPTO Releases Strategy on Advanced Manufacturing and Materials for Hydropower, Hydro Review, Elizabeth Ingram, Feb. 16, 2024
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US DOE Provides $72MM to Boost Efficiency of Hydropower Facilities, Rig Zone, Jov Onsat, Feb. 8, 2024
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