Hydropower Research

NREL experts conduct hydropower research, hydroelectric power research, and pumped storage hydropower technologies research to enhance future grid development.

As the amount of wind and solar increases on our nation's grid, so does the system's need for increased flexibility. Moreover, this requirement is expected to accelerate as states strive to meet their renewable portfolio standard goals. Hydropower, with its high capacity and ability to provide medium- and long-term storage, is one of the few grid technologies well-positioned to meet these needs.

To learn more about what hydropower is and how it works, explore NREL's Hydropower Basics or tour REDi Island, a virtual world powered entirely by renewable energy.

Research Areas

NREL works in multiple hydropower research areas to make sure that both existing and new facilities are able to maximize their utility going forward:                

Contact