Energy Department Celebrates National Hydropower Day, Advancing American Energy Dominance

WASHINGTON—In celebration of National Hydropower Day (Sunday, Aug. 24), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced agreements on 11 projects and two prize competitions that will strengthen American hydropower and remove key barriers to its development. These actions align with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s day one priorities to unleash American innovation, streamline permitting, and improve grid reliability.

“As the oldest form of electricity generation, hydropower is also the most forgotten,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. “There is significant untapped potential running through American rivers and oceans, and these projects will help ensure we have the technology solutions and workforce needed to harness these valuable resources.”

The projects and competitions, funded by the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), will boost hydropower research and development, foster small business innovation, and strengthen the domestic workforce.

WPTO will be making full or conditional awards to the following projects:

• $13 million for nine research and development projects across eight states aimed to maximize hydropower’s ability to respond to changing demand on the electric grid, enhancing the reliability and affordability of the U.S. electric system.
   
• $7.1 million for the Carrizo Four Corners Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) Center Project, a project led by New Mexico State University in collaboration with the Navajo Nation to investigate the feasibility of a potential PSH project that will provide power and storage capacity to the region.
   
• $1 million for a project led by River Connectivity Systems to advance an innovative, low-cost technology that dam operators can use to enhance water quality downstream from dams, helping hydropower facilities operate more efficiently while also ensuring that Americans are able to enjoy healthy river systems.

WPTO also announced the opening of its annual collegiate competitions, the Hydropower and Marine Energy Collegiate Competitions. Through these competitions, students gain real-world experience designing and managing water power systems, valuable exposure to career pathways, and greater knowledge of water power’s potential to provide reliable, affordable, and secure energy. Teams interested in competing must submit applications by Sept. 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.