The WPTO e-newsletter brings funding opportunities, events, publications, & activities related to hydropower and marine energy directly to your inbox.
Our Mission
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office enables research, development, and testing of emerging technologies to advance marine energy as well as next-generation hydropower and pumped storage systems for a flexible, reliable grid.
About the Water Power Technologies Office
Water Power Technologies Office Budget
What We Do
The Water Power Technologies Office works with national laboratories, academic institutions, and companies across the country to advance technologies to harness hydropower and marine energy resources. Hydropower will play a key role in helping electricity grids remain reliable and stable, ensuring homes and businesses have power when they need it. Meanwhile, marine energy can power remote and coastal communities, the growing blue economy, and U.S. power grids with reliable and renewable energy.
Water Power Technologies Office Projects Map
Water Power Technologies Office Strategy and Accomplishments
Areas of Focus
Hydropower
Hydropower plants produce renewable energy using the elevation difference created by a dam or diversion structure. Water flows in one side and exits at a lower point, spinning a turbine, which runs a generator and produces electricity.
Pumped Storage Hydropower
Pumped storage hydropower relies on two reservoirs of water. During periods of high energy production, excess energy can be used to pump water up into a higher reservoir. At times of high energy demand, facilities can release water from that higher reservoir into a lower pool. When the water flows downhill, it spins a turbine, running a generator and producing power.
Marine Energy
Marine energy refers to power harnessed from waves, tides, ocean and river currents, and even from differences in ocean salt levels, temperatures, and pressure. These resources are abundant, geographically diverse, and complementary to other energy sources.
WPTO Announcements and Success Stories
News
Upcoming Events
Water Power Images
Check out WPTO's water power image library to view images of hydropower and marine energy technologies.
Water Power Videos
Check out WPTO's water power video library to learn more about hydropower and marine energy technologies.