Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us toward a more sustainable world. I’m Alexandra, and we recently came across a concerning issue involving eels facing high mortality rates at hydro dams. If this were birds and windmills, there would likely be more attention. Eels deserve safe passage too, and a company is developing a tech solution for this problem.
This week’s topics include the ongoing issue of eels facing fatalities in hydro dam turbines, an explanation of how heat pumps function, and the intriguing presence of an airship above a central Alberta town.
Each year, endangered American eels migrate down the St. Lawrence River to their breeding grounds in the Sargasso Sea. Unfortunately, many die from turbine blade strikes at hydroelectric dams along their path, contributing to a drastic 99% population decline since the 1970s. Natel Energy, a California startup specializing in fish-friendly turbines, has designed a new turbine runner to prevent these fatalities without compromising power generation efficiency.
American eels are Canada’s sole catadromous species, starting in the ocean, moving upstream to freshwater locations like Lake Ontario, and returning to the sea after years of growth. These eels are crucial biodiversity indicators and hold cultural significance for Indigenous communities along Lake Ontario and rivers in the region. Overfishing, habitat loss, and hydroelectric dams have led to a sharp decline in eel numbers. Efforts to safeguard eels include banning commercial fishing, aiding their migration past hydro plants, and enhancing turbine designs for safer passage.
Natel’s innovative “FishSafe” turbine design features curved blades and a blunt leading edge to reduce fish injury risks. Computer simulations suggest the new design could boost eel survival rates through hydro dams significantly. The company aims to demonstrate that prioritizing fish survival does not conflict with economic interests, hoping to encourage hydropower companies to adopt fish-friendly practices.
The successful installation of Natel’s turbine runners at a French plant under eel protection regulations showcases the technology’s promise. By addressing the eel mortality issue, Natel Energy aims to positively impact American eel populations.
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