WPC member Natel is not only a leader in clean and renewable power generation, but with the company’s leading edge FishSafe™ turbine designs, is leading the way in environmental innovation.
One of the major challenges facing hydro producers is fish passage, the navigation of fish through waterpower generating stations. Turbines, along with other generating station features, can create physical barriers for migratory fish and other aquatic species.
FishSafe™ turbine designs which are “engineered to enable both safe fish passage and high-speed operation for a wide variety of turbine types, configurations, and sizes,”[i] are helping sustain biodiversity and keep rivers healthy.
The design provides turbine performance on par with conventional turbine shapes, while not only generating clean energy but also ensuring fish passage survival rates of 98-100%. These rates were consistent across a range of fish species and life stages as well as when operating at high speeds.
Another benefit of FishSafe™, is the ease in which it can replacing existing turbines, as an in-place replacement, reducing both installation costs and complications.
FishSafe™ turbines are currently in operation at waterpower generating stations across the United States and Austria, with the future goal of installation in Canada.
For their innovative design, Natel received the Excellence in Power Generation award at the 9th Annual Global Energy Show Canada Awards, celebrating FishSafe ™ for providing “the dual benefit of efficient clean power generation and unmatched fish survival, as part of a revolutionary new approach to hydropower that is both economic and environmentally-focused.”[ii]
WPC is excited to welcome Natel to Canadian Waterpower Week (CWW, September 25-27) as one of our Trade Show Exhibitors.
Through FishSafe™, Natel has shown that high performance power generation and safe fish passage are not mutually exclusive.
Rather, and in lockstep with this year’s CWW theme “Forward Together”, FishSafe™ has shown that fostering collaboration and innovation can inspire new energy solutions.
Natel is based in Alameda, California. To contact Natel or learn more about their work, visit natelenergy.com or contact press@natelenergy.com for more information.
[i] https://www.natelenergy.com/posts/natel-wins-global-energy-show-canadas-excellence-in-power-generation-award#:~:text=This%20accolade%20recognizes%20Natel’s%20groundbreaking,both%20economic%20and%20environmentally%2Dfocused.
[ii] https://www.natelenergy.com/posts/natel-wins-global-energy-show-canadas-excellence-in-power-generation-award#:~:text=This%20accolade%20recognizes%20Natel’s%20groundbreaking,both%20economic%20and%20environmentally%2Dfocused.