Philadelphia Firm Joined Energy Testing Program
Kingsbury, Inc. received a federal grant to test hydropower generator bearings with Oak Ridge National Labs.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Energy
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The Department of Energy selected Philadelphia-based manufacturer Kingsbury, Inc. for the second phase of its Hydropower Testing Network. The company will now collaborate with Oak Ridge National Labs to test bearing durability.
Why it matters
The program helps hydropower facilities operate at peak efficiency as they are increasingly used to provide reliable backup for solar and wind energy sources.
The program supports 12 hydropower technology companies with grants totaling a few million dollars each. Kingsbury, Inc. has utilized its manufacturing experience from approximately 100 years of operations to develop these specialized bearing components.
The players
Kingsbury, Inc.
This Philadelphia-based manufacturer has produced specialized bearings for approximately 100 years.
Department of Energy
This federal agency manages the Hydropower Testing Network program designed to bolster renewable energy generation.
Oak Ridge National Labs
Located in Tennessee, this national laboratory provides technical expertise for energy research and development.
The details
The testing process focuses on evaluating bearing performance during the repeated activation and deactivation cycles required of modern hydropower generators. This research aims to ensure the longevity of critical infrastructure components used at power-generating dams.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Assistant Secretary Robertson toured the Kingsbury, Inc. manufacturing plant in Northeast Philadelphia.
The Big Picture
The involvement of Kingsbury, Inc. in the Hydropower Testing Network aligns with broader efforts to stabilize grids reliant on variable renewable energy. This project shifts the focus toward enhancing existing infrastructure components rather than solely relying on new generation capacity.
This research could lead to more stable and reliable electricity generation for the public by optimizing how hydropower supports wind and solar power. Residents may see long-term benefits in grid reliability as testing improvements are scaled across national dam infrastructure.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights the critical role of legacy manufacturing in supporting modern renewable energy demands. Upgrading existing mechanical components like bearings allows traditional power sources to better accommodate the fluctuations of modern green energy grids.
Further reading
For more on local utility advancements, see the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Audacy.
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