Water Power Winners Emerge as Collegiate Competitions Surge

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the winners of its hydroelectric and marine energy collegiate competitions. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), won the Grand Prize at the fourth annual Hydroelectric Collegiate Competition (HCC) Final Event. The University of Southern California (USC) also received the same high honor in the seventh annual Marine Energy Collegiate Competition (MECC) final.

The competitions are conducted by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and funded by the DOE's Hydroelectric and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O). Cross-disciplinary teams are invited to compete and solve complex problems in hydroelectric and marine energy, with cash prizes awarded.

This year's competitions provided an opportunity for participating teams to improve existing technology or develop new ones. The competitors gained experience in all aspects of the technology development process and had the chance to interact with industry experts and explore potential career paths.

The 2026 HCC final was a highlight of the regional meeting organized by the National Hydropower Association (NHA) and the Midwest Hydropower Users Group in Green Bay. Eleven teams participated in the final event, presenting the technologies they had developed over the year. The first prize was awarded to Cal Poly's ground-based in-conduit hydroelectric innovation.

Southern Utah University came in second, while Purdue University and Northern Arizona University tied for third place. The People's Choice Award was given to the USC team, whose "Quick Pitch" presentation received the highest vote through a live poll.

Cal Poly team advisor Lauren Rueda said, "The interaction with other student teams and industry members was extremely effective." "Two students who had some interest in hydroelectric work are now applying for jobs with companies they met in Green Bay."

NLR Project Leader Elise DeGeorge stated that the HCC continues to develop new hydroelectric programs within academic programs, which is why the DOE funds such collegiate competitions. DeGeorge said, "This year, there was significant integration with the industry. Our close ties with the NHA enabled the student teams to take center stage at the regional meeting."

Source: CleanTechnica