hYDROPOWer renewable clean energy
For our capstone project we joined the 2026 Hydropower Collegiate Competition where 2026 student teams selected will have 8 to 10 months to address a series of hydropower challenges relevant to the industry and then present their concepts at an industry event in the Spring of 2026. This competition has 3 main challenges where points are earned and counted towards the final count, 2 more required challenges that don't count toward the final score, and 1 optional challenge. Teams also submit written reports demonstrating their progress and work alongside mentors and professionals to gain industry education and opportunities.
1. Siting Challenge - A site selection challenges is selected - 35% a. NPD Conversion (1-10MW) b. PSH System Integration (up to 1GW) c. In-Conduit System (100KW-10MW) Teams will then develop a feasibility assessment for the selected site.
2. Design Challenge - One of the following tracts is selected - 40% a. Facility Conceptual Design for selected hydropower site b. Component Deep Dive where teams create a final design package for an individual component of the selected site.
3. Community Connections - Talk to industry communities - 25% Teams will have three goals while talking to engaging in the industry: a. Connect with professionals to discuss a challenge in the industry that the team is passionate about. b. Create unique solutions to address those challenges. c. Commit to one of thee solutions and complete it.
4. Design and Siting Poster: (100 points not counted towards final) Teams will create and bring a poster to the final event to summarize their design and siting challenges.
5. Quick Pitch - 90 second project pitch (No points) Teams will partake in a 90 second pitch to communicate their biggest takeaways from this project. Submissions will be voted on by attendees at the final industry event.
6. Build and Test Challenge - (Optional) Teams will build a scaled prototype of their concept or powerhouse and perform a series of tests.
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