The Water Power Program (the Program) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy frontier. To help the United States meet its growing energy demand, the Program is pioneering research and development efforts in both marine & hydrokinetic (MHK) and conventional hydropower technologies. These water power technology areas hold the promise of clean, affordable electricity that will move our nation towards energy independence.

Hydroelectric power, the largest source of renewable electricity in the United States, allows the nation to avoid 200 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year. Although only a small portion of dams produce electricity, new generation equipment can be added to existing infrastructure to access vast reserves of untapped hydropower capacity in the United States. DOE’s Water Power Program leads the critical research and development efforts necessary to develop more efficient technologies that will drive sustainable growth and economic opportunity.