Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 5, Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have released the first playable version of the Hydropower Market Game, a digital tool designed to educate and engage users in hydropower workforce development. Funded by the US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), the game aims to make the hydropower industry accessible to younger audiences through interactive learning.

The character select screen in the beta version of the Hydropower Market Game.

The game, described by Argonne National Laboratory as “a fun, online, open-sourced game with rising levels of complex challenges to learn about hydropower, how to operate hydropower plants, and how hydropower plays an important role in securing the power grid and providing renewable energy,” is now available for download. Players can manage virtual power plants, optimize water resources, and address dynamic grid demands in scenarios based on real-world conditions. The game also provides insights into hydropower technology and the internal workings of power plant machinery.

Development of the Hydropower Market Game is ongoing, with Argonne and NREL actively seeking contributors and beta testers to refine the tool. Interested individuals can participate through a designated platform provided by the laboratories. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort to foster interest in renewable energy and support the growth of a skilled hydropower workforce.

This project builds on previous collaborations between the national labs. The game’s launch screen includes a link to REDi (Renewable Energy Discovery Island), a virtual world powered by renewable energy, featuring over a dozen interactive water power stations. Developed by NREL in partnership with IKM 3D and funded by the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and the WPTO, REDi aims to inspire future innovators in hydropower and marine energy by showcasing carbon-free energy solutions.

The Hydropower Market Game and REDi are part of a broader effort to engage younger generations in sustainable energy practices. By offering hands-on, educational experiences, these tools highlight the critical role of hydropower in delivering reliable, renewable energy and supporting a stable power grid. The ongoing development and open-source nature of the game encourage community involvement, ensuring it evolves to meet educational and industry needs.