DOE allocates $15M to enhance hydropower flexibility

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $15 million in funding for nine projects designed to boost hydropower’s role in stabilizing the grid amid rising renewable energy adoption. Hydropower, currently contributing 27% of U.S. renewable electricity, offers critical flexibility for balancing supply and demand.

Notable projects include:

Hydropower-Hydrogen Integration: DRG Technical Solutions will produce hydrogen at a Colorado facility to store energy for later grid use or as fuel.

Battery Integration: Synergics Energy Services will add battery storage to California’s Forks of Butte hydropower plant, boosting revenue and reliability.

Trihybrid System: Cube Yadkin Generation will combine battery storage with solar and hydropower in North Carolina for enhanced operational efficiency.

Advanced technologies will also play a role, with AI-driven optimization tools developed by North Carolina State University and Missouri University of Science and Technology, alongside polymer turbine upgrades by GE Vernova.

These initiatives align with DOE’s goal to modernize the hydropower fleet, ensuring grid resilience and supporting the 2030 clean power objectives.