GFO-22-306 – Precipitation Enhancement and Environmental Research for Hydropower Generation (PEER-Hydro)

Overview

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research to advance strategies for managing California’s hydropower resources for optimal contribution to grid operations. Research funded by this solicitation will foster cost-effective, robust approaches to balance anticipated needs for zero-carbon, fast-ramping resources with environmental protection. Hydroelectric power is an important source of zero-carbon, dispatchable power in California. It is a critical element of the state’s electricity system and in-state generation, providing peaking reserve, spinning reserve, and load following capacity, as well as transmission line support. The percentage of the state’s electricity supplied by hydropower varies, as hydropower resources are strongly dependent on snowmelt runoff and rainfall...