Water Power Educational Resources

The hydropower and marine energy industries can support the United States’ in achieving its energy goals. Hydropower already plays a significant role in the power system. It provides nearly 27.4% of U.S. renewable electricity generation, 6% of total electricity generation. Pumped storage hydropower currently accounts for 96% of utility-scale energy storage in the United States.

Meanwhile, the marine energy industry is growing. There is an abundant opportunity to harness marine energy from the natural movement of water, including waves, tides, and river and ocean currents. The amount of usable marine energy in the United States is roughly 57% of the country's power generation. Even if we can capture a small portion of what's available, marine energy technologies could make significant contributions to the nation's energy needs.

To spur growth in the hydropower and marine energy industries, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) supports 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
  • 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!