Hydropower is the oldest renewable energy source, and marine energy may be the youngest. Regardless of whether they are old or young, both forms of water power will play a significant role in helping the United States reach a 100% carbon-free energy sector by 2035. To meet the challenge, we need a strong water power workforce.
To inspire and grow a new generation of skilled workers to lead the country’s energy revolution, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) partners with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) to run two competitions—one for hydropower and the other for marine energy. Both provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in each industry as well as the opportunity to devise innovative solutions to complex challenges that pave the way to a clean energy future.
