Water Power Technologies Office

The U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is advancing cutting-edge technology to modernize the U.S. hydropower fleet and drive U.S. leadership in new ocean and river energy, with the goal of delivering low-cost power and resiliency to the nation’s power grids. Subscribe to WPTO’s Breaking News email for important updates.

News

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Energy Department Selects Six Awardees for $6.7 Million in Marine Energy Funding

Funding to support the development of innovative technologies capable of generating reliable and cost-effective electricity from U.S. water resources.

June 8, 2018

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WPTO Selects Four Projects for Phase I SBIR and STTR Funding

WPTO has selected four projects for Phase I funding within the topic area of environmentally-acceptable lubricants for hydropower applications.

May 30, 2018

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Water Power Technologies: The Stories Behind the Example Photos

See examples of WPTO's favorite photos and enter the Make a Splash Photo Contest for a chance to win $2,000.

May 30, 2018

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A Utility Perspective on the Local Impact of the Nation’s Newest Wave Energy Test Site

WPTO’s Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, sat down with Debra Smith to get her opinions on the current state of wave energy testing.

May 16, 2018

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Undersecretary of Energy Menezes Announces $23 Million in New Funding to Advance Marine Energy Technologies

The Energy Department announced $23 million to support marine energy industry advancement in wave, tidal, ocean and river current technologies.

April 30, 2018

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Energy Department Releases 2017 Hydropower Market Report

The 2017 Hydropower Market Report provides a snapshot of the distribution, characteristics, and trends of the current U.S. hydropower fleet.

April 30, 2018

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Funding Available: Marine Energy Technology Advancement and Data Dissemination

WPTO announced up to $23 million in funding to support marine energy technologies that aim to reduce capital costs and shorten deployment timelines.

April 30, 2018

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Make a Splash Photo Contest Seeks Best U.S. Water Power Photos

April 30, 2018

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Request for Information: Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies: Maritime Markets Report

WPTO seeks feedback from the public on 12 maritime markets where applications may exist for marine energy technologies.

April 30, 2018

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Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance: Techno-Economic Studies of Pumped-Storage Hydropower

These techno-economic studies will evaluate the long-term value of two selected pumped-storage hydropower projects.

April 26, 2018

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Research and Development

Hydropower

Technology Development: Modernizing America’s first renewable electricity source

Market Acceleration: Supporting industry growth with early-stage research

Resource Assessment and Characterization: Charting paths forward

Funding Opportunities: The latest opportunities to get involved

Marine and Hydrokinetic

Technology Development: Advancing ocean and river energy

Market Acceleration: Supporting industry growth with early-stage research

Resource Assessment and Characterization: Analyzing vast resources

Funding Opportunities: The latest opportunities to get involved

Featured Content

Water Power Projects Map

Learn more about our investments in cutting-edge water power research.

Hydropower Vision

A first-of-its-kind comprehensive analysis to evaluate future pathways for low-carbon, renewable hydropower.

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Wave Energy Prize

An 18-month public competition that advanced the demonstrated energy potential of several wave energy devices.