The U.S. Department of Energy selected 14 projects to begin negotiations for in-kind support through the Hydropower Testing Network. The program matches technology developers with specialized facilities for physical testing, modeling and technical analysis rather than awarding unrestricted cash grants.

The selected work covers a broad range of needs, including low-head turbines, pumped-storage analysis, water-quality sensors, fish-passage systems, component repair, bearings, lubricants and coatings intended to limit biological growth. Several projects continue work that began in the network’s first selection round.

The network includes 21 facilities offering more than 65 capabilities in areas such as hydraulics, biology and economic analysis. Developers have been provisionally matched to facilities based on their testing needs, with final assistance still subject to negotiations.

Testing can help a prototype establish performance and reliability before wider deployment, but selection does not mean that every technology is commercially ready. The results will determine whether individual systems move toward licensing, manufacturing or additional demonstration.