The US Department of Energy (DOE) has extended its agreement with Norway’s Royal Ministry of Energy to continue joint research and development in water power technologies.
The extension builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) originally signed in 2020. That agreement connected DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office with Norway’s Research Centre for Hydropower Technology. The new annex broadens the collaboration to include marine energy, in addition to hydropower.
“Strong partnerships drive innovation, and innovation strengthens America’s energy future,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Hydropower is a tremendous resource— one that supports reliable, affordable power across the country and holds vast potential to bolster America’s grid. By signing this Memorandum of Understanding with Norway, we are building upon our two nations’ shared expertise and advanced marine energy technologies to support President Trump’s pro-growth energy agenda for the American people.”
The DOE said the partnership supports ongoing efforts to lower energy costs, improve grid security and reliability, and encourage innovation in line with directives from President Trump and Secretary Wright.
“Hydropower and marine energy have potential to reduce energy costs and improve the resilience of our electric grid,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. “Our collaboration with Norway – another country that is rich in water power resources – will help us expand our generation capacity, upgrade existing facilities, and cultivate the technical expertise we need to make the most of these opportunities.”
Under the extended MOU, the two countries will continue sharing tools, data, and technologies to advance water power development and testing. The expansion into marine energy is expected to help unlock additional domestic energy sources, particularly in densely populated coastal areas.
