DOE to begin accepting applications from U.S. college and university students to participate in the 2026-2027 Hydropower and Marine Energy Collegiate Competitions
Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office
March 6, 2026
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) today announced actions to accelerate America’s hydropower innovation. CMEI's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O), has begun accepting applications for the 2026 – 2027 Hydropower and Marine Energy Collegiate Competitions and will soon launch the second round of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN).
H2O Opens Collegiate Competitions to Empower Next Generation of American Workers
H2O and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) are excited to announce the opening of the 2026 – 2027 Hydropower and Marine Energy Collegiate Competitions (HCC and MECC). Interdisciplinary teams of postsecondary, undergraduate, and graduate students from a variety academic disciplines are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2026 for the opportunity to earn industry recognition and win cash prizes from combined prize pools totaling up to $715,000.
These competitions provide students with real-world experience designing and managing water power systems along with valuable exposure to different career pathways within the water power industry.
Through fostering a new generation of skilled professionals in water power, H2O is working to address critical workforce needs, strengthen domestic energy capabilities, and bolster national security as well as economic growth.
Hydropower Testing Network Is Ready for Round 2
H2O will begin accepting applications for the second round of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN) from March 12, 2026 until April 23, 2026. A study from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) found that improving access to testing capabilities is a critical hurdle facing many hydropower technology developers. H2O developed HyTN to help U.S. companies validate innovative, affordable, and reliable hydropower technologies as they transition from the lab to the marketplace, accelerating real-world deployment.
During the first round of the program, HyTN paired 12 hydropower technology developers with facilities in the testing network. Round 2 will build off the success of round 1 and ensure that the proposed projects will help deliver affordable, reliable energy at the speed and scale required to support a growing economy and American households.
Like the first round, HyTN will run in three phases:
- Phase 1: Testing Facility (Voucher Provider) Selection: During this phase, test facilities can apply to join the network. If selected and matched with a technology developer, the test facility will receive up to $250,000 to provide testing services to the technology developer.
- Phase 2: Technology Developer (Voucher Recipient) Selection and Matchmaking: During this phase, technology developers can apply for testing services. If selected, developers will be matched with a test facility to implement targeted testing activities that advance technology readiness.
- Phase 3: Project Execution: During this phase, facilities and developers will determine the scope, establish a contract, and begin work.
Each facility selected to become part of HyTN will have one or more capabilities that can be provided as a technical support service to technology developers (or voucher recipients). Prospective test facilities will need to submit their application on the ENERGYWERX page. Please see the ENERGYWERX page for submission details and eligibility requirements.
The HyTN voucher opportunity is funded by H2O and supported by NLR and ORNL. 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 Commercialization.
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