The Influence of Marine and Hydro Kinetics Patents Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office and other DOE Offices

This report describes the results of an analysis tracing the technological influence of Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and its precursor programs, as well as MHK research funded by other offices in DOE. A total of 49 MHK patents are confirmed to be associated with WPTO funding (30 U.S. patents, 5 EPO patents, and 14 WIPO patents). The bulk of the WPTO-funded patents, with WPTO’s specific funding of MHK technology occurring during the 2010-2014 time period. MHK research funded by WPTO, and by DOE in general, has had a notable influence on subsequent developments, both within and beyond MHK technology. This influence can be seen on innovations associated with the leading MHK companies. It can also be traced to innovations in other technologies, notably wind energy and hydropower.