Natel water turbines provide fish-safe fans and plenty of energy

Hydropower is currently one of the most desirable renewable energy sources, and the demand for it will increase in the coming years.

However, there are also some disadvantages, namely damage to the ecosystem and threats to fish.

One company, Natel Energy, is taking steps to reduce the risks associated with hydropower generation by producing “fish-safe turbines.”

According to Natel, these turbines could increase hydropower production in these locations and increase fish survival.

The US-based company built the world’s first Fish Safe Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) in 2019.

Hydropower and Fish Safety – Natel’s Way

A few years later, in 2022, walk-through tests conducted by the company in conjunction with Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) showed that rainbow trout passed the walk-through test with 100% immediate and 48-hour survival.

Put simply, this technology is intended to make it easier for fish to move through hydroelectric power plants without being injured.

According to Natel, the RHT design features thick, forward-facing blades that allow fish to safely swim downstream through the turbine.

This unique shape was developed based on laboratory blade impact studies, CFD modeling and several fish passage tests. The company also claims that safe flow through the turbine also eliminates the need to install and maintain fine screens, large fish bypasses – making it a cost-effective solution.

Gia Schneider, co-founder and commercial director of Natel, was quoted by MIT Technology Review stating that RHT “focuses on preventing fatal contact between fast-moving gear and fish.”

The blades are also curved, ensuring there is no direct impact even if slight contact occurs.

The article also said Natel believes its RHT systems could be retrofitted to “up to half of the existing U.S. hydroelectric fleet to make the plants safer for fish.”

One drawback of the system is that it can only prevent fish losses from downstream migrations. More needs to be done to provide safer passage for fish moving upstream—that is, from rivers to the ocean.

US push for hydropower

In early June, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technology Office (WPTO) recently launched the first phase of the Water Power Test Network (HyTN) to help developers prepare their technologies for commercialization.

“Hydropower plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability and stability of the electricity grid as it grows and incorporates more variable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar,” said Matthew Grosso, acting director of WPTO.

“We are excited about the opportunity to help advance hydropower technologies and build a network that gives developers access to U.S. testing facilities and technical expertise.”

WPTO understands that the United States needs modernization and new technologies in hydropower to ensure the country can easily transition to clean energy.

According to a press release from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), hydropower accounts for 28.7% of renewable electricity generation in the U.S. and about 6.2% of total U.S. electricity production.

HyTN’s goal is to increase the share of hydropower in total U.S. energy production, and this is where companies like Natel can play a significant role, ensuring sustainability while increasing production.