Despite renewable energy benefits, traditional hydropower methods have been criticized for disrupting ecosystems and harming aquatic life. Natel Energy, a US company specializing in hydro turbines, introduced the world's first Fish Safe Restoration Hydro Turbine in 2019.
As the demand for hydropower continues to rise, so do concerns over its environmental impact, particularly its effect on fish populations.
Despite renewable energy benefits, traditional hydropower methods have been criticized for disrupting ecosystems and harming aquatic life. Natel Energy introduced the world's first Fish Safe Restoration Hydro Turbine in 2019. John Moore/Getty Images
Natel Energy Is Pioneering Fish-Friendly Technology in Hydropower
According to Interesting Engineering, Natel Energy aims to mitigate these issues by pioneering technologies that prioritize the safety and well-being of marine life through the development of fish-friendly turbines.
Natel claimed that its turbines enhance hydropower generation at sites and improve fish survival rates. In 2019, the US company introduced the world's inaugural Fish Safe Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT).
In 2022, tests conducted by the company in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) demonstrated that rainbow trout had a 100% immediate survival rate and 48-hour survival when passing through the facility.
The technology aims to facilitate safer passage for fish through hydropower installations, minimizing harm. Natel's co-founder and chief commercial officer, Gia Schneider, explained that the RHT is designed to prevent fast-moving equipment from fatally harming fish.
The turbine blades are curved to minimize direct impact even if there is contact during operation. Natel also believes its RHTs can be installed in nearly half of the US hydropower facilities to enhance their fish-friendly features.
However, the system currently addresses fish safety only for downstream migration. More efforts are needed to develop safer passages for fish moving upstream, from rivers to the ocean.
In June, the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) launched the first phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN) to support developers in advancing their technologies toward commercial use.
Matthew Grosso, WPTO acting director, emphasized hydropower's crucial role in enhancing the reliability and stability of the electricity grid, as it integrates more variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
The initiative aims to provide developers with access to US-based testing facilities and technical expertise, facilitating the advancement of hydropower technologies.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) highlighted that hydropower contributes 28.7% to US renewable electricity generation and 6.2% to overall US electricity generation.
The HyTN's goal is to expand hydropower's contribution to the US energy mix, fostering sustainability and improved energy output, areas where companies like Natel can play a pivotal role.
