Natel Energy, a California startup, has developed a new turbine design aimed at reducing the mortality rate of endangered American eels passing through hydroelectric dams. These eels face a perilous journey down the St. Lawrence River, with many getting struck and killed by turbine blades, contributing to a sharp decline in their population since the 1970s.
The innovative turbine runner, designed by Natel Energy, is intended to prevent eel fatalities without compromising power generation efficiency. This development challenges the long-held belief that protecting fish would result in reduced power generation or significant infrastructure costs. According to Kate Stirr, Natel Energy’s vice-president of external affairs, their study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance fish survival without sacrificing power output.
American eels play a crucial ecological role in the region and are highly valued by Indigenous communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. However, their numbers have dramatically decreased due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and hydroelectric dams. To address this decline, various conservation efforts have been implemented, such as banning commercial eel fishing in Ontario and initiatives to ensure safe passage for eels past hydro plants.
The new “FishSafe” turbine design by Natel Energy features fish-friendly modifications, including curved blades and a reduced gap between the blade and housing to prevent fish entrapment. Computer simulations suggest that this design could increase the survival rate of American eels passing through the turbines to 98%.
Natel Energy aims to demonstrate that prioritizing fish conservation can be financially viable for hydro dam operators. The company has already collaborated with Canadian firms and successfully tested its turbine runners in France. This technology is seen as a potential game-changer for the survival of American eel populations.
The use of innovative technologies like the FishSafe turbines offers hope for protecting endangered species while ensuring sustainable energy generation. By bridging the gap between conservation and energy production, initiatives like this contribute to building a more environmentally conscious future.