Water Power
Water power is one of the two research areas managed by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program.
In fiscal year 2008, funding was provided to DOE for research on a wide range of advanced water power technologies. As part of its commitment to develop clean, domestic energy sources, DOE is collaborating with industry, regulators, and other stakeholders to investigate emerging water power technologies and further improve conventional hydropower systems. For more information, see the DOE press release about the funding awards.
For more information about the hydropower work being done by the Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program, read about our:
Emerging Water Power Technologies
Marine and hydrokinetic devices offer the potential to capture energy from waves, tides, ocean currents, and the natural flow of water in rivers, as well as marine thermal gradients, without building new dams or diversions.
As these technologies are developed, DOE will focus on research to reduce their costs while improving their reliability and performance. The Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program will:
- Study and compare the technologies as they develop,
- Understand and minimize any potential environmental and navigational impacts, and
- Support the development of industry-wide standards.
DOE is currently preparing a Report to Congress on the environmental impacts of marine and hydrokinetic technologies, as described in the Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007.
The Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program is also collaborating with universities to establish national centers for the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of marine renewable energy.
Conventional Hydropower
In conventional hydropower, DOE has conducted research and development (R&D) to increase the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower since 1976. Over the years, the program has: supported R&D for low-power hydropower projects, studied environmental issues and mitigation practices, developed advanced and environmentally friendly hydropower turbines, and completed hydropower resource assessments.
The program's 2008 priorities are to continue improvement in the efficiency and environmental performance of turbines and dams.