H2O Announces New Round of Voucher Program for Hydropower Testing

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) today opened applications for the second phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN), which aims to connect hydropower technology developers to testing capability providers. Hydropower technology developers can now apply to receive testing support from the network of 21 U.S. testing providers. 

HyTN-now in its second round-currently offers more than 65 testing capabilities, ranging from hydraulic to biological and aquatic testing. Newly added testing capabilities include techno-economic analysis, numerical modeling, simulation, and analytical activities-all available to hydropower technology developers seeking technical support.

"Access to testing capabilities is a challenge faced by many hydropower technology developers," said Nichole Fitzgerald, H2O director. "HyTN helps address this challenge by connecting hydropower technology developers with U.S.-based test facilities and technical expertise, ultimately accelerating real-world deployment of new technologies." 

Hydropower accounts for 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and nearly 6% of the country's total utility-scale electricity generation. However, meeting the growing energy demand in the United States will require upgrading many hydropower facilities and developing new technologies. This requires access to a wide range of testing capabilities to boost the readiness of hydropower innovations.

H2O invites U.S.-based companies or academic institutions to apply for testing support. Applicants must be developing a hydropower technology that has existing components or computer models. Selected developers will receive vouchers to implement targeted testing activities at one of their preferred HyTN test facilities that advance technology readiness. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Hydropower powertrain equipment
• Structures, materials, and repair processes
• Electrical, electronic, and cybersecurity devices
• Environmental mitigation technology.

Once matched, facilities and developers will scope and begin testing activities to be carried out over the following months. 

H2O is accepting technology developer applications from June 16, 2026, until July 23, 2026. Please see the ENERGYWERX page for more submission details and eligibility requirements.

The HyTN voucher opportunity is funded by H2O with administration support from the National Laboratory of the Rockies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The program is managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative partnership intermediary agreement set up by DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. 

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