The U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) enables research, development, and testing of new technologies to advance marine energy as well as next-generation hydropower and pumped storage systems for a flexible, reliable grid.
What We Do at the Water Power Technologies Office
WPTO advances water power R&D through the Marine Energy Program and the Hydropower Program. To lower marine energy costs and bolster hydropower’s contribution to the grid, WPTO:
- Invests in research and technology design
- Validates technology performance and reliability
- Develops and provides necessary testing infrastructure
- Shares objective information and data for technology developers and decision makers.
WPTO’s work supports EERE’s aim to increase the Nation’s energy affordability, integration, and storage capabilities. This work also supports DOE’s mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity by advancing transformative science and technology solutions that address America's energy challenges.
Why It Matters
WPTO works with National Laboratories, industry, universities, and other federal agencies to conduct R&D activities. Through competitively selected, directly funded, and cost-shared projects, WPTO strives to:
- Drive innovation in technology and science
- Expand access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy
- Use taxpayer funds in impactful ways
- Seek input and collaboration from stakeholders and partners
- Be transparent and share results widely.
For more information on recent WPTO R&D achievements to progress toward these goals, check out these resources:
Water Power Images
Check out WPTO's water power image library to view images of hydropower and marine energy technologies.
