The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has announced the opening of applications for the second phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN). The initiative connects hydropower technology developers with testing facilities across the US to support the advancement of hydropower technologies.
The program offers developers access to a network of 18 test facilities. Consequently this provides more than 40 different capabilities such as hydraulic and aquatic testing. The goal is to help accelerate the commercialization of new hydropower technologies.
“Hydropower facilities contribute significantly to the flexibility and stability of the electricity grid, and these benefits will become even more important as variable renewable energy resources like wind and solar continue to come online,” said Matthew Grosso, WPTO acting director. “We are eager to help hydropower developers advance their technologies faster by connecting them with U.S.-based test facilities and technical expertise.”
Currently, hydropower generates nearly 27% of US renewable electricity and 5.7% of the country’s total utility-scale electricity. To enhance its role in the clean energy transition, the US must upgrade hydropower facilities and develop new technologies. Access to testing capabilities is key to making these advancements.
Eligible applicants for the HyTN program include for-profit companies, nonprofit research organizations, and academic institutions working on hydropower technologies. Successful applicants will receive vouchers to support physical testing aimed at advancing technology readiness. The program focuses on several areas, including powertrain equipment, materials and repair processes, cybersecurity devices, and environmental mitigation technology.
Developers must submit applications via the ENERGYWERX page by 3 p.m.. ET on October 30, 2024.
The HyTN voucher program is funded by WPTO and managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE.
