Research and Development

DOE WPTO seeking facilities to join Hydropower Testing Network

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DOE WPTO seeking facilities to join Hydropower Testing Network

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has launched the first phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN), to connect hydropower technology developers to testing capability providers. WPTO seeks test facilities interested in joining HyTN and working with developers to test their technologies and advance them toward commercialization.

U.S. hydropower facilities will need upgrades and new technologies will need to be developed. This requires access to a wide range of testing capabilities. HyTN seeks to increase access to testing, which will help boost the technology readiness of hydropower innovations.

HyTN will run in three phases:

Phase 1: Testing Facility (Voucher Provider) Selection: Test facilities can apply to join the network. If selected and matched to a technology developer, the test facility will receive funding to provide testing services to the technology developer. Phase 1 is open and interested facilities should submit applications by Aug. 8, 2024.

Phase 2: Technology Developer (Voucher Recipient) Selection and Matchmaking: Technology developers can apply for testing services. If selected, developers will be matched with a test facility. Developers will then receive up to $250,000 in services to implement targeted physical testing activities that advance technology readiness. Phase 2 is expected to open in fall 2024.

Phase 3: Project Execution: Facilities and developers will determine the scope of work, establish a contract, and begin work.

WPTO invites academic institutions and private, national and federal laboratories to apply to become a test facility (or voucher provider). WPTO seeks facilities that have existing capabilities to test hydropower technologies. Capabilities of interest include but are not limited to: hydraulic testing; mechanical, material and structural testing; electrical and electronic testing; and biological and aquatic testing.

Each facility selected will have one or more capabilities that can be provided as a technical support service to technology developers (or voucher recipients).

The HyTN voucher opportunity is funded by WPTO. The program is managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through a partnership intermediary agreement set up by DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions.