The latest round of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs features multiple opportunities for water power innovators. DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is seeking SBIR and STTR applications related to both hydropower and marine energy technologies in eight subtopics (see page 129 of the SBIR/STTR topics document for more details):
Hydropower
a. Municipal and Industrial Conduit Hydropower
b. Innovations in data collection, analytics, models and tools
c. Pumped Storage Hydropower Innovative Concepts
Marine Energy
d. Co-Development of Marine Energy Technologies
e. Development of Standardized Modular Power Electronics for Grid-Compatible Marine Energy Systems
f. Advances in Overtopping Wave Energy Converters for Coastal Structures
g. Next-Generation Tidal and River Current Energy Technologies for Arctic/Alaskan Communities
h. Feasibility of Co-locating Marine Energy and Offshore Wind
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the topics document to identify technology areas of interest and begin formulating innovative responses and partnerships. The funding opportunity is expected to be released on Dec. 16, 2024, and letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 7, 2025.
WPTO will also be hosting an informational webinar on Dec. 4 to discuss the topics and answer questions from interested applicants. Learn more and register for the webinar.
As you pursue this and other opportunities, remember that the American-Made Network is a great resource for finding commercialization-assistance providers and vendors with specific expertise across technology sectors. The Network helps accelerate innovations through a diverse group of entities that includes national laboratories, energy incubators, investors, and other industry partners from across the United States who engage, connect, mentor, and amplify the efforts of small businesses.
