The US Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a substantial investment of more than $6.3 million to support six cutting-edge research and development projects dedicated to enhancing fish passage and protection technologies. The primary objective of these projects is to minimize the environmental impact of hydropower on aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the growing role of hydropower in ensuring grid reliability during the United States' transition to a cleaner energy system, characterized by more variable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Jeff Marootian, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, emphasized the dual significance of clean energy adoption and biodiversity conservation. He stated, “Hydropower is a versatile renewable energy resource that plays a pivotal role in our transition to a cleaner electricity sector and economy. However, the climate crisis also presents a biodiversity crisis, and we must safeguard species as we progress towards a cleaner energy system. This investment in fish passage and protection technologies will not only facilitate the safe movement of fish through hydropower facilities but also reduce the overall environmental impact of hydropower generation and contribute to the restoration of fish populations.”
The $6.3 million funding will drive the development of innovative technologies across the following six selected projects:
- Electric Power Research Institute's Fishheart Hydraulic Fishway: This project will implement and evaluate a novel fish entry and transport system at the Santee Spillway hydropower project in Pineville, South Carolina. Its aim is to enable the safe upstream passage of American Shad while simultaneously reducing both capital and operational costs. (Award: $1,300,000)
- MarineSitu's Automated Fish Passage Monitoring: Located in Seattle, Washington, this project focuses on the creation of an automated tool designed to track and classify fish as they navigate fish ladders. The project's goal is to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of fish count data collection for monitoring fish passage at hydroelectric facilities in the Columbia River. (Award: $817,777)
- Natel Energy's Safe Downstream Fish Passage: This project will assess Natel Energy's Restoration Hydro Turbine as a secure downstream passage for American Eel. It aims to advance the engineering of eel-safe turbines for broader utility-scale applications. (Award: $1,284,857)
- Percheron Power's Helical Fish Passage: Conducted in Kennewick, Washington, this project will evaluate the Stralkin Helix, a novel fish passage approach employing a rotating helix. The project seeks to significantly reduce costs compared to conventional methods while enhancing the passage of multiple fish species. (Award: $1,300,000)
- University of California, Davis' White Sturgeon Passage Assessment: This laboratory research initiative focuses on evaluating the safe turbine passage of White Sturgeon populations. It aims to provide valuable insights to turbine designers, operators, and fish regulators, striking a balance between renewable energy production and biodiversity protection. (Award: $875,000)
- University of Massachusetts Amherst's D-Cylinder Fish Ladder Evaluation: Situated in Hadley, Massachusetts, this project aims to address the limitations of existing fish ladder designs by researching and developing the D-cylinder ladder. Tailored to accommodate various East Coast fish species, it is intended to reduce construction and maintenance costs while improving fish migration. (Award: $758,517)
These projects were carefully selected under the Water Power Technologies Office's “Advancing Fish Passage and Protection Technologies” funding opportunity, underscoring the DOE's commitment to responsible and sustainable energy development.
It is important to note that being selected for award negotiations does not guarantee funding, as the DOE and the applicants will engage in a negotiation process. The DOE retains the authority to cancel negotiations and revoke project selections for any reason during this phase.
