Southern Utah University earned second place in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 Hydropower Collegiate Competition, a national event challenging students to develop innovative solutions for real-world hydropower problems.
Competition winners announced
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office announced the winners of the fourth annual competition on April 30, 2026. While California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo took home the grand prize, Southern Utah University finished as the runner-up. Purdue University and Northern Arizona University tied for third place.
Design Challenge victory
In addition to its second-place overall finish, Southern Utah University won the individual Design Challenge category. The competition's final event took place during the Midwest Regional Meeting, organized by the National Hydropower Association and the Midwest Hydropower Users Group.
Focus on hydropower innovation
The 2026 competition focused on hydropower innovation, tasking 11 student-led teams with addressing challenges such as adding power to non-powered dams, developing in-conduit hydropower, and adding pumped storage hydropower to existing reservoirs.
Addressing workforce retirement gaps
Nichole Fitzgerald, Director of the Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office, said the competition provides an opportunity for the next generation of American workers to tackle major industry issues. The program aims to fill workforce gaps as nearly 20 percent of the American hydropower workforce approaches retirement.
Funding and administration details
The Hydropower Collegiate Competition is funded by the Department of Energy's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office and administered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies. The university's achievement was highlighted by the Southern Utah University College of STEM on social media.
