The hydropower and marine energy industries have crucial roles to play in achieving the United States’ clean energy goals. Hydropower already plays a significant role in the power system, providing 31.5% of U.S. renewable electricity generation, 6.3% of total electricity generation, and 93% of utility-scale energy storage in the United States. Meanwhile, the marine energy industry is growing and focused on harnessing power from the natural movement of water, including waves, tides, and river and ocean currents. 

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is investing in the next generation of water power experts. WPTO provides a variety of educational resources to share information about hydropower and marine energy, increase awareness of water power technologies, and help develop the workforce needed to make the clean energy future a reality. Check out the resources listed below to learn more and get involved with water power! 

HYDROPOWER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Hydropower Basics
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity.
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STEM Portal: Hydropower
Hydropower is the process of harnessing flowing water to power turbines or generators to generate electricity to power homes, transport & industries.
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Hydropower Workforce and Development: Key Trends and Findings
A new WPTO-commissioned report, Workforce Development for U.S. Hydropower: Key Trends and Findings, provides assessment of hydropower workforce.
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Hydropower Educational Resources To Get Energy Flowing
With back-to-school season in full swing, WPTO offers a range of educational resources to teach students of all ages about hydropower and highlights programs designed for those about to embark on their clean energy careers.
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Hydropower Collegiate Competition (HCC)
To pave the way for next-generation workers to start their careers in clean energy WPTO, NREL, and the Hydropower Foundation have created HCC.
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MARINE ENERGY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Marine Energy Basics
MHK energy technologies convert the energy of waves, tides, and river and ocean currents into electricity.
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STEM Portal: Marine Energy
This portal is designed to help spur innovation and growth in the marine energy technologies industry and support workforce development.
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Resources to Empower the Next Generation of Marine Energy Experts
Marine energy is a growing industry, but many people may not be familiar with these technologies and career pathways made possible by harnessing this resource. Learn about WPTO’s educational resources that teach students of all ages about marine energy.
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Marine Energy Graduate Student Research Program
Program is open to full-time graduate students with a marine energy-focused research thesis and/or dissertation at a U.S. institution.
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Tethys Marine Energy Educational Resources
Educational resources to increase awareness and understanding of Marine Energy's environmental effects as well as support the future workforce.
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Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC)
MECC challenges interdisciplinary teams of undergrad and grad students to offer unique solutions to the burgeoning marine energy industry.
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Water Power Images

Check out WPTO's water power image library to view images of hydropower and marine energy technologies.

WPTO Image Gallery

Water Power Videos

WPTO's water power video library shows you more about hydropower and marine energy technologies.

Water Power Profiles

Everyone Creates a Ripple: What’s Your Ripple Effect?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office Ripple Effect profile series features just a few of the individuals whose impactful work will help advance hydropower and marine energy technologies.
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