Matthew Grosso is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Energy Technology and Acting Director of the Hydropower and Hydrokinetics Office (H2O, formerly the Water Power Technologies Office or WPTO) in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI). In this role, he leads CMEI’s energy generation and transportation programs, advancing innovative technologies that enhance U.S. energy affordability, reliability, and security.
Prior to January 2026, Grosso served as the director of WPTO, where he oversaw strategy, management, and execution of the office’s $220 million annual budget as the office worked to advance research and development of hydropower and marine energy technologies. Prior to becoming director in October 2024, Grosso served as WPTO’s acting director from April to October and before that was operations supervisor starting in December 2015.
Grosso has more than 30 years of experience in the public sector at the local, state, and federal levels, including 17 years at DOE. During his time with CMEI, he has worked with senior leaders and staff to lead multiple change efforts to improve technology program effectiveness and advance energy technology innovation.
He helped establish WPTO in 2016, positioning the office to lead on water power research and development and supporting its steady growth. He previously helped implement smart grid and energy storage investments in DOE’s Office of Electricity under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Grosso holds a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University.