The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has announced hydro testing and funding opportunities this week — one concerning a new funding opportunity for wave energy testing and one that invites developers to apply to receive hydropower testing support from a network of test facilities.
Wave energy open water testing
WPTO opened an opportunity for up to $112.5 million in funding to advance the commercial readiness of wave energy technologies through open water testing and system validation. This five-year investment will significantly accelerate the design, fabrication and testing of multiple wave energy converters (WEC), which harness power from ocean waves.
While it is not yet widely deployed, the total available wave energy resource in the U.S. is equivalent to about 34% of all U.S. power generation, DOE said. Even if only a portion of this technical resource potential is captured, wave energy technologies would make significant contributions to energy needs.
The funding is intended to reduce risks for deployments, increase the potential for commercial adoption through longer-duration demonstrations (expected to last six months to two years), and offer additional benefits to help quickly advance WECs. This includes the ability to identify and mature high-potential WEC technologies; reduce financial risks for developers and incentivize investors; progress technologies at smaller scales while developing toward utility scale; and increase learning for installation, operations and maintenance.
This opportunity will fund projects in three topic areas:
- Up to $16.875 million for wave device development and open water testing for dispersed (e.g., remote/offshore) use cases and power-at-sea applications.
- Up to $45 million for wave device development in direct support of coastal community needs, which may include power and/or desalinated water applications.
- Up to $50.625 million for wave device development in support of utility power needs, using offshore, grid-connected testing facilities such as PacWave.
Up to 17 awards are anticipated under the Oceans of Opportunity: U.S. Wave Energy Open Water Testing funding opportunity, DOE said. Individual awards may vary between $2.41 million and $25.313 million. Applicants must submit a concept paper by 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 25, 2024, to be eligible to submit a full application.
Hydropower Testing Network
WPTO has also 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 apply to receive testing support from the network of 18 test facilities.
WPTO invites for-profit companies, nonprofit research organizations and academic institutions developing hydropower technologies to apply for testing support. Selected developers will receive vouchers to implement targeted physical testing activities that advance technology readiness. Technologies of interest include but are not limited to:
- Hydro powertrain equipment
- Structures, materials and repair processes
- Electrical, electronic and cybersecurity devices
- Environmental mitigation technology
“Hydropower facilities contribute significantly to the flexibility and stability of the electricity grid, and these benefits will become even more important as variable renewable energy resources like wind and solar continue to come online,” said Matthew Grosso, WPTO acting director. “We are eager to help hydropower developers advance their technologies faster by connecting them with U.S.-based test facilities and technical expertise.”
Selected developers will be matched with one of their preferred HyTN test facilities. Facilities and developers will then scope and begin testing activities to be carried out over the calendar year. HyTN’s 18 test facilities offer more than 40 capabilities, ranging from hydraulic testing to biological and aquatic testing.
Prospective technology developers should submit their application on the ENERGYWERX page
by 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 30, 2024.
WPTO launched the first phase of HyTN in June, which included testing facility selection. HyTN’s three phases are:
- Phase 1: Testing facility (voucher provider) selection: Test facilities could apply to join the network. If selected and matched to a technology developer, the test facility would receive funding to provide testing services to the technology developer.
- 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 receive up to $250,000 in services to implement targeted physical testing activities that advance technology readiness.
- Phase 3: Project Execution: Facilities and developers will determine the scope of work, establish a contract and begin work.
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.
