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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The Water Power Program researches, tests, evaluates, and develops innovative technologies capable of generating renewable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective electricity from water resources. This includes hydropower as well as marine & hydrokinetic energy technologies.

Ocean Renewable Power Company deploying the First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Project.

Maine Deploys First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Project

Energy Secretary Steven Chu recognized the nation's first commercial, grid-connected tidal energy project off the coast of Eastport, Maine on July 24. Leveraging a $10 million investment from the Energy Department, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) will deploy its first commercial tidal energy device in Cobscook Bay this summer. Learn more about the First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Project.

This map demonstrates the potential capacity to generate clean hydroelectric energy at existing non-powered dams across the U.S.

Powering up America's Waterways

The Energy Department releases a reportPDF analyzing the potential to generate clean hydroelectric energy at existing dams across the United States. Harnessing the tremendous power of the nation's waterways could help increase the supply of clean energy for American families and businesses.

View of Hydroelectric Dam

Collaboration with Federal Agencies Advance Hydropower Generation in the United States.

The Energy Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding for HydropowerPDF with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation in 2010. Read the Two-Year Progress ReportPDF on how these agencies are working together to advance mutual goals for the development of clean, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable hydropower in the United States.

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    Water Power for a Clean Energy Future

    This document describes some of the accomplishments of the Department of Energy Water Power Program, and how those accomplishments are supporting the advancement of renewable energy generated using...  Details