Natel Energy: Making Hydropower Plants More Fish-Friendly And Sustainable
A fish-safe turbine designed by Natel Energy. Credit: Courtesy of Natel Energy Natel Energy, launched by sibling MIT alumni, is deploying hydropower systems with fish-safe turbines and other features that mimic natural river conditions. Growing up on a farm in Texas, siblings Gia Schneider ’99 and Abe Schneider ’02, SM ’03 always had plenty to do. However, every Saturday at 2 p.M., no matter what, the family would go down to a local creek to fish, build rock dams and rope swings, and enjoy nature. “It’s a motivator for the idea that hydropower can help improve the environment rather than destroy the environment.” — Abe Schneider Eventually, the family started making an annual summertime trip to a secluded river in Colorado. The river forked in two. One side was managed by ranchers who destroyed natural features like beaver dams, while the other side remained untouched. After the family noticed the fishing was better on the preserved side, Abe decided to try measuring the health of the ...