The US Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has announced its intent to offer a funding opportunity amounting to $9.5 million aimed at advancing the adaptability of hydropower. The official release of this funding opportunity is expected to occur during the autumn of 2023.
Hydropower currently plays a pivotal role, accounting for 28.7% of the US’ total renewable electricity generation and approximately 6.2% of the nation's entire electricity output. Hydropower's defining feature lies in its flexibility, enabling it to provide electricity instantaneously or to accumulate it for use in accordance with real-time demand. The primary objective of this financial investment is to fortify hydropower's capacity to support an electricity grid experiencing a growing influx of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
This proposed opportunity is projected to allocate funds towards projects falling within three specific topic areas, all centered on the enhancement of hydropower's adaptability:
Hybridized Hydropower Demonstration: This topic area is focused on the demonstration of hydropower hybrid configurations. This may include scenarios where a hydropower facility is paired with alternative forms of energy generation or integrated with an energy storage resource. These configurations offer various advantages, including improved grid services, reduced wear and tear on equipment, and minimized environmental impacts stemming from changes in water flow patterns.
Technologies to Increase Flexibility: In this topic area, the aim is to foster technological innovations that enhance the flexible capabilities of the U.S. hydropower fleet. Solutions being sought after might include groundbreaking developments in turbine design and other hardware components.
Operational Flexibility: This topic area seeks to quantify the current flexible capabilities of hydropower and advance operational strategies designed to amplify this adaptability, thereby better aligning hydropower with the evolving requirements of the electricity grid.
The complete notice of intent detailing this funding opportunity can be accessed via the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Funding Opportunity Exchange.
