Welcome to our weekly newsletter dedicated to showcasing environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable future.
Hello, I’m Alexandra. When we recently learned about the unfortunate situation of eels perishing in large numbers at hydroelectric dams, it raised concerns. It made us ponder: if this were about birds and wind turbines, there would likely be significant outcry. These aquatic creatures deserve safe passage through their habitats. Discover how one company is developing a technological remedy for this issue.
This week’s highlights include:
– Ongoing eel fatalities in hydro dam turbines and a potential solution
– Understanding the functioning of heat pumps
– The intriguing presence of an airship above a central Alberta town
The Challenge:
American eels, an endangered species, undertake an annual migration down the St. Lawrence River towards their breeding grounds in the Sargasso Sea. Unfortunately, many fall victim to the turbine blades of hydroelectric infrastructure, contributing to a drastic decline in their population by 99% since the 1970s. Natel Energy, a California-based startup specializing in fish-friendly turbines, has devised a new turbine design to mitigate these fatalities without compromising power generation efficiency.
Natel’s Solution:
Natel Energy’s innovative “FishSafe” turbine design features curved blades with a thicker leading edge, reducing the risk of injury to fish upon impact. This design adjustment aims to enhance the survival rate of American eels passing through the turbines to 98%. Additionally, the new blades maintain comparable efficiency to existing models and can be retrofitted without extensive system overhauls, offering a practical solution for hydro dam operators.
The Impact:
The implementation of Natel’s FishSafe turbines could revolutionize the protection of the American eel population. By demonstrating that safeguarding fish does not hinder power generation, Natel Energy seeks to encourage more hydroelectric dam companies to adopt fish-friendly practices. The company has already collaborated with Canadian firms and successfully trialed its turbine runners in France, showcasing their effectiveness in protecting European eels.
In conclusion, Natel Energy’s commitment to preserving aquatic biodiversity through innovative turbine design provides a beacon of hope for the endangered American eel population. By prioritizing fish safety without compromising operational efficiency, this technology offers a promising solution to address the longstanding issue of aquatic wildlife fatalities at hydroelectric dams.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, feedback, or story suggestions, please reach out to whatonearth@cbc.ca.
– Alexandra Mae Jones
