HRF Mission and History
The Hydro Research Foundation, Inc. [HRF] was established in 1994 and became an independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation in 1996. The foundation has two principal objectives: to facilitate research and to promote educational opportunities that communicate the value of hydropower.
Research undertaken by the foundation seeks to advance knowledge about hydroelectric technology, including efficiency improvements and environmental mitigation. Hydropower is an efficient producer of emissions-free, renewable energy and is an important part of our nation's energy mix. Like any energy generating resource, however, hydropower can have an impact on the environment. The hydropower industry has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to minimize the impact its technology has on aquatic life and habitat while seeking to provide an affordable, reliable energy supply.
The HRF was formed to build support for, and facilitate partnerships among industry, government and others for projects that would preserve and enhance the viability of hydropower as a clean, renewable and reliable provider of energy. Industry research demonstrates the effectiveness that can be achieved by applying state of the art technology to the prevention or mitigation of environmental and biological impacts. The HRF believes that technological improvements are the best approach to addressing the environmental issues that are associated with this valuable energy resource.
Educational programs build awareness of hydropower's many and diverse benefits. Programs are designed to educate younger students, generate interest in careers in the hydropower industry and, in general, inform and educate the general public about the history of the resource, current and emerging technologies and issues affecting the use of hydropower.
A broad range of research and educational programs can be supported with grants and tax-deductible donations from individuals, other foundations, companies and government agencies. For more information or to ask a question, contact us.
Research undertaken by the foundation seeks to advance knowledge about hydroelectric technology, including efficiency improvements and environmental mitigation. Hydropower is an efficient producer of emissions-free, renewable energy and is an important part of our nation's energy mix. Like any energy generating resource, however, hydropower can have an impact on the environment. The hydropower industry has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to minimize the impact its technology has on aquatic life and habitat while seeking to provide an affordable, reliable energy supply.
The HRF was formed to build support for, and facilitate partnerships among industry, government and others for projects that would preserve and enhance the viability of hydropower as a clean, renewable and reliable provider of energy. Industry research demonstrates the effectiveness that can be achieved by applying state of the art technology to the prevention or mitigation of environmental and biological impacts. The HRF believes that technological improvements are the best approach to addressing the environmental issues that are associated with this valuable energy resource.
Educational programs build awareness of hydropower's many and diverse benefits. Programs are designed to educate younger students, generate interest in careers in the hydropower industry and, in general, inform and educate the general public about the history of the resource, current and emerging technologies and issues affecting the use of hydropower.
A broad range of research and educational programs can be supported with grants and tax-deductible donations from individuals, other foundations, companies and government agencies. For more information or to ask a question, contact us.
Hydro Research Foundation Timeline
1994 - HRF is founded in response to the Advanced Hydro Project.
1996 - HRF becomes a non-profit organization.
1996 - 2008 The Malad River Trout Modeling Project, Hydro Curriculum, Hydro Contest, R&D Forum, Project Need, Project Aware, Renewable Energy Debate.
2008 - First strategic planning retreat is held.
2012 - HRF hires its first executive director.
2012 - Strategic Planning Team is started.
2012 - DOE Fellowship Program begins.
2013 - First strategic plan is approved by the board of directors.
2014 - Small Hydro Tech Catalog Project begins.
2014 - Research Awards Program begins.
2017 - First Hiring for Hydro event.
1994 - HRF is founded in response to the Advanced Hydro Project.
1996 - HRF becomes a non-profit organization.
1996 - 2008 The Malad River Trout Modeling Project, Hydro Curriculum, Hydro Contest, R&D Forum, Project Need, Project Aware, Renewable Energy Debate.
2008 - First strategic planning retreat is held.
2012 - HRF hires its first executive director.
2012 - Strategic Planning Team is started.
2012 - DOE Fellowship Program begins.
2013 - First strategic plan is approved by the board of directors.
2014 - Small Hydro Tech Catalog Project begins.
2014 - Research Awards Program begins.
2017 - First Hiring for Hydro event.