Hydropower (also called hydroelectric power) facilities in the United States can generate enough power to supply 28 million households with electricity, the equivalent of nearly 500 million barrels of oil. The total U.S. hydropower capacity—including pumped storage facilities—is about 95,000 megawatts. Researchers are working on advanced turbine technologies that will not only help maximize the use of hydropower, but also minimize adverse environmental effects.

The mission of the Department of Energy's Hydropower Program is to develop, conduct, and coordinate research and development with industry and other Federal agencies to improve the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower.

For information related to hydropower generation and consumption, visit the Energy Information Administration.