Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO)

Photo by Andrew Baumgartner, U.S. Department of Energy.

How to Solve to 5 Major Gaps in U.S. Hydropower Supply Chain

8 months ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy makes actionable recommendations to address five gaps in the domestic hydropower supply chain. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a report that makes actionable recommendations to address five gaps in the domestic hydropower supply chain. Hydropower makes up about 27% of … [continued]

Two researchers have determined cost-effective ways to purchase these strange, alien legs dropping down to the seafloor—also known as moorings—for a new wave energy test facility currently under construction off the coast of Oregon. Illustration by Josh Bauer, NREL.

Notice of Intent: Up To $112.5 Million Funding Opportunity to Support U.S. Wave Energy Development

8 months ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

On July 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office announced an intent to provide up to $112.5 million in funding to advance the commercial readiness of wave energy technologies through open water testing and system validation. DOE anticipates opening this funding opportunity in or around September 2024. Wave … [continued]

An international partnership between Norwegian and U.S. researchers could help modernize the world’s biggest source of renewable energy—hydropower—and answer the question: How can hydropower help fight climate change? Photo by Bryan Bechtold, NREL

Hydropower Is Global. Should Hydropower Research Be, Too?

1 year ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

Why U.S. and Norway Experts Are Partnering Up To Explore How This Renewable Could Help the World Transition to Clean Energy When Dany Tome first arrived at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) campus in Golden, Colorado, he did not notice the golden grasses waving from the hillsides or the … [continued]

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing in a new kind of flexible wave energy technology that could convert ocean waves into clean electricity and help power coastal communities, marine research, and even a future clean energy grid. Graphic by NREL.

How Origami, Acrylic Skins, & Flexible Flaps Are Advancing Wave Energy

1 year ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

With Two Awards and Some Stellar Students, Researcher Polishes New, Highly Flexible Technology Blake Boren had a few questions about the flexible flap. Like, how big should the flap be? What is the optimal flap shape? And what is the best way to build a flexible flap? “I guess a … [continued]

Image credit: NOAA

Accelerating Power At Sea For A Thriving Blue Economy

1 year ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

New Prize Challenges Competitors To Seek Innovative Solutions To Help Ensure Energy Endurance in Ocean Extremes The ocean contains enough water to fill quintillions of gallon-sized containers. It is no surprise then that these vast waters hide mysteries, many of which remain beyond humanity’s reach. But some mysteries—like brewing superstorms and … [continued]

Two researchers have determined cost-effective ways to purchase these strange, alien legs dropping down to the seafloor—also known as moorings—for a new wave energy test facility currently under construction off the coast of Oregon. Illustration by Josh Bauer, NREL.

Wave Energy Devices Will Soon Head to New Testing Facility—But They Are Missing Something

1 year ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

New Study Identifies Cost-Effective Options To Tether Devices to Ocean Floor