Natel Energy Studied Eel-Friendly Turbine Designs
The feasibility analysis indicates new blade geometries could increase American eel survival while maintaining current power output.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Energy
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A feasibility study has predicted that proposed turbine runner designs can achieve over 98 percent survival for migrating American eels at the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in New York. The research, which utilized computational fluid dynamics modeling, proposes modifications that would not require changing the dam's existing infrastructure.
Why it matters
The study addresses a long-standing environmental challenge at the 2000MW facility, where turbine passage mortality was measured at 26.5 percent in 1997. By maintaining energy production levels within 0.5 percent of current baselines, the proposed design seeks to balance hydroelectric generation with wildlife protection.
The proposed turbine runners feature blade leading edges approximately 50cm thick with a 35-degree forward slant at the tip. These designs demonstrate peak hydraulic efficiencies of 94.6 percent and 94.3 percent for the two unit types evaluated.
The players
Natel Energy
A developer of hydroelectric technology focused on fish-safe turbine runner designs and modular power systems.
New York Power Authority
The state-level public power organization that operates the 16 turbine-generator units at the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project.
The details
The study utilized computational fluid dynamics — a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis to simulate fluid flows — to evaluate how eels interact with turbine blades. By increasing the thickness of the leading edges to 50cm and incorporating a 35-degree forward slant, the blades are designed to physically deflect eels rather than striking them. The proposed runners are engineered to drop into the existing powerhouse structure without requiring modifications to the dam.
Timeline
1997: Turbine passage mortality was measured at 26.5 percent at the St. Lawrence-FDR project.
2006: An upstream passage ladder for juvenile eels was installed, while fish-friendly turbine technology was evaluated and rejected.
October 2, 2026: Natel Energy completed the feasibility study for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project.
The Tech Race
The study follows a pattern of investment from the Fish Enhancement, Mitigation and Research Fund aimed at integrating ecological preservation into high-capacity power generation infrastructure. This project marks a shift from earlier 2006 attempts at mitigation, testing new blade geometries against previous failed designs at the same dam.
The proposed turbine runner designs are currently in the feasibility stage and require no modifications to the existing dam or powerhouse. The research projects that annual energy production will remain within 0.5 percent of current levels, meaning local power grid stability is expected to be unaffected by the implementation of these fish-friendly upgrades.
The takeaway
The study suggests that modern blade geometries can significantly reduce mortality without sacrificing the efficiency of the 2000MW power project. Watch for future announcements regarding pilot deployment or physical prototype testing of these runners at the St. Lawrence-FDR site.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in grid sustainability, visit /science/energy/.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Water Power.
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