GE vernova advanced research (gevar, prime), GE vernova's hydro power (gevh), pacific northwest national lab (pnnl) and united states bureau of reclamation (usbr) propose to develop durable and cost…

Award Overview

GE Vernova Operations LLC received a $2.28M Cooperative Agreement from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Renewable Energy Research and Development program (CFDA 81.087). The award, effective January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028, supports the development of durable, cost-effective polymer-based add-on technologies designed to enhance the operational flexibility of Francis turbine-based hydropower units. This initiative represents a collaborative effort involving GE Vernova Advanced Research, GE Vernova's Hydro Power division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).

Project Deliverables

The project addresses a critical gap in the domestic hydropower fleet by targeting the approximately 45 GW of Francis turbine capacity, which represents roughly 50 percent of U.S. hydropower generation. Francis machines are acknowledged as the least flexible hydroelectric units, limiting their ability to support grid ramping requirements and operational availability. The cooperative agreement will deliver innovative polymer-based technological solutions that increase ramping capabilities and availability of these turbine systems, thereby enhancing grid reliability and the operational flexibility of the nation's hydropower infrastructure. Work will be performed at GE Vernova's facility in Schenectady, New York.

GE vernova advanced research (gevar, prime), GE vernova's hydro power (gevh), pacific northwest national lab (pnnl) and united states bureau of reclamation (usbr) propose to develop durable and cost effective polymer based add-ONS to increase the operational flexibility of the francis runner based hydro power fleet (~45GW, 50% of US fleet). The ultimate goal is to increase the ramping capabilities and the availability of the francis machines, which are known to be the least flexible hydro units.