The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has awarded $800,000 to eight innovative projects aimed at advancing hydropower and marine energy technologies. This initiative supports entrepreneurship, commercialization, and small business growth in the water power sector, with the potential to expand renewable energy solutions across the U.S.
Importance of Water Power
• Hydropower accounts for 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity and 6% of total electricity output, ensuring grid stability and consistent power supply.
• Marine energy, still largely untapped, could theoretically meet 60% of U.S. electricity needs if harnessed effectively.
Selected Projects
Each project receives $100,000 for the next 6–9 months, with the potential for further funding of up to $1 million for up to four projects after this phase.
Highlighted Projects:
1. Blue Power Accelerate (Rhode Island):
• Led by 401 Tech Bridge, the program addresses supply chain gaps and provides incubation services for 15 teams.
• Partner: FedTech.
2. Blue Ventures for the Pacific Northwest Water Power Program (Washington):
• Launching an incubator for startups and tailored resources for water power challenges.
• Partners: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and others.
3. Constructive Interference to Impact (CI2I) (California):
• Support framework for startups transitioning to commercialization.
• Partners: AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, Ocean Exchange, and Seaworthy Collective.
4. Supporting Water Innovation and Marketplace Initiative (New Jersey):
• Modular accelerator focused on business planning and regulatory compliance.
• Partners: ACT Institute, Camoin Associates, Catalyst Strategies.
5. Investor Readiness Training Program (Ascend) (Massachusetts):
• Prepares startups for investment with a 10-week hybrid program.
• Partner: VentureWell.
6. Water and Alaska Vital Energy Systems (WAVES) (Alaska):
• Targets Alaska’s vast water power potential with services like market analysis and investor connections.
7. Water Power Accelerator Program (North Carolina):
• Focused on addressing regulatory and environmental hurdles faced by developers.
• Led by Research Triangle Institute International.
8. WaterSHED Studios (Colorado):
• Commercializing dormant intellectual property from universities and labs to meet industry needs.
• Partners: Espiku, Natel, National Grid Partners, NextEra Energy.
Broader DOE Initiatives
In December 2024, WPTO allocated nearly $2 million to university-led projects focused on wave-powered desalination technology to address water scarcity and disaster relief efforts.
These investments underscore the DOE’s commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and addressing climate change by unlocking the vast potential of water power technologies.
