DOE Funds Projects to Advance Hydropower and Marine Energy Innovation

January 13, 2025

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has launched a significant initiative to accelerate innovation in hydropower and marine energy technologies. With an allocation of $800,000 in funding, the WPTO aims to foster the advancement and commercialization of these technologies across the United States. This initiative underscores the essential role of water-harnessed energy in providing reliable, renewable power to millions of Americans and industries out at sea.

WPTO’s Vision for Water Power Innovation

Hydropower’s Current Impact and Future Potential

Hydropower currently accounts for approximately 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and nearly 6% of the total utility-scale electricity generation in the country. This substantial contribution highlights the importance of continued innovation and development in the hydropower sector. Marine energy technologies, although not yet widely deployed, hold significant potential with resources equivalent to nearly 60% of all U.S. power generation. These resources include waves, tides, ocean and river currents, and other marine elements.

As the U.S. energy landscape continues to evolve, harnessing the full potential of water power resources remains a critical aspect of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. Continued research and investment in both hydropower and marine energy technologies are essential for capitalizing on their immense potential. Expanding the deployment of these technologies can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy security, and fostering economic growth within the renewable energy sector.

The Role of WPTO in Supporting Entrepreneurs

WPTO Director Matthew Grosso emphasized the potential of these projects to create businesses, advance innovation, and spur economic development in communities across the country. By supporting water power entrepreneurs and small businesses, the WPTO aims to build a robust ecosystem that can address unique challenges in the hydropower and marine energy sectors. The selected projects are designed to foster business development, support startups, and create incubation and acceleration ecosystems.

The collaborative approach adopted by the WPTO is pivotal in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready solutions. By fostering partnerships with industry experts, academic institutions, national laboratories, and other stakeholders, the WPTO aims to expedite the commercialization of cutting-edge water power technologies. This initiative not only empowers entrepreneurs but also facilitates knowledge sharing and resource pooling, ultimately ensuring a more integrated and supportive environment for advancing hydropower and marine energy innovations.

Selected Projects and Their Objectives

Blue Power Accelerate: Catalyzing Innovation in Marine Energy and Hydropower

Managed by 401 Tech Bridge at the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, this initiative aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem to fill supply chain gaps for ventures in water power technologies. The project will assess stakeholders’ needs, provide incubation and acceleration services to at least 15 teams or ventures, and host a showcase event. FedTech is a key partner for this initiative, ensuring a collaborative approach to innovation.

The project’s focus on stakeholder engagement is crucial for identifying and addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by water power ventures. By offering incubation and acceleration services, Blue Power Accelerate aims to equip startups and small enterprises with the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to successfully navigate the commercialization process. The showcase event will serve as a platform for these ventures to demonstrate their progress, attracting potential investors and industry partners to further support their growth and development.

Blue Ventures for the Pacific Northwest Water Power Program

Based in Seattle and led by Washington Maritime Blue, this project focuses on empowering sustainable water power innovation in the Pacific Northwest region. It will accelerate the commercialization of marine energy and hydropower technologies through an innovation cluster model. The project involves launching a trial incubator for water power technology startups, recruiting industry mentors, and developing tailored resources to address specific water power challenges. Key partners include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Marine Energy Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Pacific Ocean Energy Trust.

By employing an innovation cluster model, Blue Ventures for the Pacific Northwest aims to create a synergistic environment where startups, researchers, and industry experts can collaborate and share insights. This collaborative framework fosters a culture of innovation and accelerates the development and deployment of water power technologies. The trial incubator will play a pivotal role in providing startups with access to mentorship, technical resources, and market analysis, enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve commercial success.

Supporting Marine Energy Entrepreneurs

Constructive Interference to Impact (CI2I): Aligning Waves of Support

Braid Theory, Inc., based in San Pedro, California, will develop a plan to support marine energy startups from ideation to commercialization. The project offers a customized entrepreneur support framework that includes ideation, acceleration, and commercialization programming, along with stakeholder engagement. Partners include AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, Ocean Exchange, and Seaworthy Collective, ensuring a comprehensive support system for emerging businesses.

The tailored support provided by CI2I is designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by marine energy startups at different stages of their development. By offering a holistic support framework, the project aims to streamline the transition from innovative ideas to viable commercial products. The collaborative efforts of partners such as AltaSea, Ocean Exchange, and Seaworthy Collective further enhance the ecosystem by providing access to valuable networks, resources, and expertise.

Supporting Water Innovation and Marketplace

Fedsprout, located in Princeton, New Jersey, will establish a modular accelerator to advance the commercialization of hydropower and marine energy technologies in the northeastern United States. The team will develop financial modeling tools, business planning, and regulatory compliance frameworks while enhancing the Cleantech Open Northeast’s accelerator model. Collaboration with water power startups, industry experts, and technology users will speed up the transition of innovations to market. Project partners include ACT Institute, Camoin Associates, and Catalyst Strategies.

The modular accelerator approach adopted by Fedsprout allows for a flexible and scalable framework that can adapt to the evolving needs of water power startups. By providing comprehensive support in financial modeling, business planning, and regulatory compliance, the project aims to address key barriers that often hinder the commercialization process. The enhanced Cleantech Open Northeast accelerator model will serve as a robust platform for nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the successful market entry of hydropower and marine energy technologies.

Enhancing Investor Readiness and Market Analysis

VentureWell’s Investor Readiness Training Program: Ascend for Marine Energy and Hydropower Startups

VentureWell, headquartered in Hadley, Massachusetts, will offer a water power accelerator program based on its network and curriculum. This program will support a diverse community of entrepreneurs launching innovative hydropower and marine energy technologies. Two annual cohorts will participate in the Ascend Program, a 10-week hybrid investment readiness training designed for pre-seed startups. The program helps startups to launch, establish partnerships, prepare for capital raising, and provides a supportive community with access to technical resources, mentorship, and funding.

The Ascend Program is specifically tailored to equip pre-seed startups with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate the challenging landscape of investment and commercialization. By offering a hybrid training model that combines both virtual and in-person components, the program ensures accessibility and flexibility for participants. The focus on investor readiness is critical for startups aiming to secure funding and establish strategic partnerships, ultimately accelerating their journey from concept to market.

Water and Alaska Vital Energy Systems (WAVES)

Launch Alaska, located in Anchorage, Alaska, will identify gaps between emerging water power technologies and project deployment within the state. The WAVES Program will support water power companies by offering business development services such as market analysis, regulatory guidance, mentorship, and networking, while also facilitating connections to potential investors and partners to exploit Alaska’s 33,000 miles of coastline.

The WAVES Program leverages Alaska’s unique geographic and resource advantages to foster the development and deployment of innovative water power technologies. By providing targeted business development services, the program aims to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and practical implementation. The emphasis on market analysis, regulatory guidance, and networking ensures that water power companies have the necessary support to navigate the complex landscape of project deployment, ultimately driving growth and sustainability within the sector.

Addressing Sector-Specific Needs and Intellectual Property

Water Power Innovation Accelerator Gap Analysis and Implementation

Research Triangle Institute International in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, will develop a water power accelerator program and training curriculum tailored to sector-specific needs and entrepreneurship principles. This project involves a gap analysis to uncover challenges in the water power innovation ecosystem and barriers underrepresented communities face in joining the industry. Findings will inform program design, recruitment strategies, and resource requirements. The curriculum will cover water power-specific topics, including regulatory constraints, public and private funding strategies, relicensing, dam safety, environmental impact considerations, and grid integration.

The gap analysis conducted by Research Triangle Institute International is essential for identifying the specific obstacles and opportunities within the water power innovation ecosystem. By addressing the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities, the project aims to create a more inclusive and diverse environment for innovation. The comprehensive training curriculum will equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the water power industry, ultimately fostering a more resilient and sustainable sector.

WaterSHED (Sustainable Hydrological Energy Development) Studios

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has initiated a notable program to speed up innovation in both hydropower and marine energy technologies. This strategic move is backed by an $800,000 funding allocation aimed at advancing and bringing these technologies to market. The WPTO’s goal is to significantly improve the development and adoption of hydropower and marine energy solutions throughout the United States, emphasizing their crucial role in generating clean, renewable energy. These technologies are essential in providing reliable power to millions of Americans, ensuring stability and sustainability both on land and at sea, including supporting various industries that operate offshore. This initiative highlights the DOE’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions that can cater to the nation’s growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. By investing in new innovations in water-based energy, the WPTO aims to pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure, shaping the future of energy technology in the country.

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