EERE Success Story—Alden Fish Friendly Turbine Allows for Safe Fish Passage

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), in partnership with Alden Research Laboratory and Voith Hydro, has developed a more environmentally friendly option for hydroelectric power generation. The Alden Fish Friendly Turbine will allow for the safe passage of fish downstream through an operating turbine. EPRI deployed and tested the turbine for three years to verify the turbine’s performance and fish survival. Data gathered during the deployment showed a fish survival rate of greater than 98% for fish less than eight inches in length. This turbine will provide a more sustainable option for producing electricity at more than 1,000 estimated environmentally sensitive hydropower facilities, and it will enable hydropower development at thousands of new sites. By supporting the development of technologies like the Alden turbine, EERE is driving hydropower growth—a sustainable and reliable base of the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. The Alden turbine has the potential to meet power demands, while minimizing impacts to migrating fish.

Positive Impact

Alden hydroelectric will provide a more sustainable option for producing electricity at more than 1,000 estimated environmentally sensitive hydropower facilities and enable hydropower development at thousands of new sites.

Location

Palo Alto, California

Partners

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); Voith Hydro; Alden Research Laboratory

EERE Investment

$1,113,361

Renewable Energy Sector

Renewable electricity generation

The Water Power Program is committed to developing and deploying a portfolio of innovative technologies for clean, domestic power generation from resources such as hydropower, waves, and tides.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.