WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 - Lowering environmental impact and reducing costs for hydropower drivetrains, which transfer rotational energy from turbines to generators, is the focus of seven projects chosen to receive Energy Department grants totaling $6.5 million. The projects will address technical areas to advance the manufacturing and installation of new hydropower projects, reduce lifetime operating and maintenance costs and minimize environmental impacts.
The Low-impact hydropower technology projects include:
-Rapidly deployable hydropower civl works technologies
-Innovative methods and matrials for hydropower construction
-Powertrain component innovations
Hydropower supplies approximately 7 percent of America’s electricity and is considered the leading source of renewable energy, according to the Department of Energy. However, the nation still has significant untapped resources across the country where new hydropower generating capabilities could boost our supply of carbon-free energy.
Developing advanced water power technologies is part of the Energy Department's broader Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to increase American competitiveness in the production of clean energy products and boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness by increasing energy productivity. The Energy Department says that continued innovation and advancements in hydropower technologies and manufacturing will help deliver more renewable energy to American homes and businesses than ever before.
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