The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated close to US$15 million across nine research and development projects aimed at enhancing the flexibility of hydropower in responding to dynamic demands on the electric grid. Hydropower plays a vital role in providing stable and reliable electricity to homes and businesses nationwide. By investing in these projects, the DOE aims to improve hydropower facilities' capability to balance electricity grids that are increasingly reliant on variable renewable resources such as wind and solar power. Several projects focus on innovative approaches to enhance hydropower's flexibility and integration with other technologies. For instance, DRG Technical Solutions in Colorado will demonstrate the benefits of combining hydrogen energy technologies with hydropower facilities to store and provide electricity to the grid as needed. Other projects involve the installation of battery energy storage systems at hydropower facilities to increase revenues, hedge against financial impacts of droughts, and improve operational flexibility. Moreover, these initiatives aim to optimize energy generation, improve grid stability, and assess the economic and reliability benefits of hydropower. Through the development of advanced technologies and tools like open-source optimisation software, the projects seek to maximize the efficiency of older and remote hydropower facilities by integrating them with renewable energy sources and various energy storage solutions. Overall, the DOE's investment in these projects reflects a positive outlook on the future of hydropower, emphasizing its potential to contribute significantly to the evolution of renewable energy systems, grid reliability, and sustainable power supply for communities across the United States.