The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated nearly $15 million for nine research and development projects aimed at enhancing hydropower's ability to meet the evolving demands of the electric grid. Jeff Marootian, from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, highlighted hydropower's crucial role in providing stable electricity to homes and businesses nationwide. These projects focus on increasing the flexibility of hydropower facilities to better integrate with variable renewable resources like wind and solar power. Several demonstrations will pair hydropower facilities with energy storage technologies and hydrogen systems to improve operational capabilities. For example, a project by DRG Technical Solutions in Colorado will showcase the benefits of combining hydrogen energy technologies with hydropower, enabling electricity generation and storage for grid support and fueling vehicles. Other initiatives include installing battery energy storage systems at hydropower facilities to enhance operational flexibility and revenue generation. Moreover, research efforts will explore novel technologies such as polymer-based turbine add-ons and trihybrid energy storage systems to optimize hydropower operations under different conditions. These innovations aim to increase the reliability and performance of hydropower plants while supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. Overall, the DOE's investment in these projects reflects a positive outlook on the potential of hydropower to contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future in the United States, showcasing a commitment to innovation, grid stability, and renewable energy integration.