National Hydropower Association’s (NHA) award season has arrived!

Take advantage of the following opportunities to recognize outstanding projects and professionals driving progress in hydropower and marine energy.

NHA is now accepting applications for three major awards – each celebrating leadership, innovation, and dedication at different stages of impact across the water power industry.

The following awards are currently open:

• Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters (Deadline – June 2)
• Rising Star Award (Deadline – June 1)
• Henwood Award (Deadline – June 30)

Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Awards

Organizations in the U.S. water power industry are encouraged to apply or nominate a project by June 2, 2025, for the Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters (OSAW) Award—an annual honor recognizing exceptional efforts in hydropower and marine energy.

For more than 125 years, hydropower has delivered renewable and reliable electricity due to innovation, collaboration, and stewardship. The OSAW Award celebrates projects that reflect those values through outstanding achievements in operational performance, public education, or environmental, recreational, and historical enhancements.

Eligible projects must have occurred or have been completed in 2024 and may be submitted under one of the following categories:

• Operational Excellence

• Public Education

• Recreational, Historical & Environmental Enhancement

Organizations may submit multiple applications for different accomplishments. Now is the time to recognize impactful work that showcases leadership, innovation, and dedication in advancing hydropower and marine energy across the United States.

Learn more here.

Rising Star Award

NHA’s Future Leaders of Waterpower (FLOW) Rising Star Award recognizes early-career professionals who are shaping the future of the water power industry. With applications due by June 1, this is a prime opportunity to be acknowledged for your contributions—or to encourage a rising leader you know to apply.

Open to individuals with 3 – 10 years of professional experience, the award highlights those who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to growing their careers within the industry.

As the water power workforce faces a wave of retirements, this award celebrates those bringing fresh energy, creative solutions, and long-term vision to the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Eligible professionals are encouraged to apply through a self-nomination process, which includes:

• Two recommendation letters

• A set of short-answer responses

• A current resume (maximum two pages)

Winners will receive the following:

• Complimentary registration to NHA’s Clean Currents Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from October 14-17
• A feature in NHA’s POWERHOUSE and social media platforms
• Recognition in a formal press release.

Learn more here.

Sterling Watson (center left) – Natel – receives the Rising Star Award from NHA leadership at Clean Currents 2024

Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award

Professionals in the U.S. water power industry are encouraged to apply for or nominate a colleague by June 30, 2025, for NHA’s Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award—one of the industry’s highest honors.

Named after Dr. Henwood, a passionate hydro supporter and developer in the field, the award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding leadership, integrity, and lifelong dedication to advancing hydropower.

Since its creation in 1990, the award has celebrated those who reflect Dr. Henwood’s vision and commitment to the industry, honoring individuals who demonstrate:

• Dedication to hydropower as an energy technology

• Persistence in overcoming institutional challenges

• A strong understanding of the balance between engineering, environment, and economics

• Integrity, fairness, and clear communication

• Uncommon energy, enthusiasm, and leadership

If you or someone you know embodies these values and has made a lasting impact on the industry, consider submitting a nomination for this prestigious recognition.

Learn more here.

John Ragonese (center) receives the Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award from former NHA Board President, Alvin Thoma (left), and Malcolm Woolf, NHA CEO and President (right)