On March 18, EERE’s Water Power Program announced a Notice of Intent to issue a funding opportunity titled “Research and Development of Innovative Technologies for Low Impact Hydropower Development.” This funding will support the research and development of new innovations in hydropower drivetrain and civil works technologies for low-impact hydropower development.

While hydropower already supplies roughly 7% of America’s electricity, and is the leading source of renewable energy, there is a significant opportunity across the country to add new hydropower generating capabilities. Recent Energy Department reports have found that there are over 12 gigawatts of technical hydropower potential in our nation’s non-powered dams, and an additional 65 gigawatts of hydropower potential from undeveloped stream-reaches. New and advanced hydropower technologies will help harness this clean, renewable energy.   

This proposed funding opportunity would support technology innovations in areas such as low-impact civil structures, alternative construction methods and materials, and mechanical and electrical powertrain components. Innovations in these areas would reduce installation and maintenance costs of new hydropower development while addressing the environmental and social concerns of new hydropower development.

Read the full Notice of Intent on the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange.

To learn more about Water Power Program research and development, please visit the Program’s research and development Web page. To stay up to date with Water Power Program news and financial opportunities, sign up for Water Power Program breaking news alerts.