PRESS

Hydro Review: Commercializing a New Small Hydropower Technology

February 16, 2021

Natel Energy in Alameda, Calif., is dedicated to advancing hydropower technology to make it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as well as flexible enough to be a go-to source of power for operators in rivers of all sizes throughout the U.S. and around the world. With a name appropriately coined from the phrase “natural electric,” Natel is focused on enabling a distributed or decentralized hydropower model featuring systems of smaller projects-– that maintain river connectivity –– networked together as “virtual power plants” or VPPs, as opposed to the current approach of large centralized dams, which can be damaging to wildlife and the adjacent ecosystem.

Founded by Gia Schneider and Abe Schneider, siblings who gained a deep appreciation for the power of rivers and the beauty of their ecosystems during family camping and fishing trips as children, Natel is advancing its vision of “Restoration Hydro,” combining low environmental impact with high economic value. This can be a boon to organizations looking to decarbonize their operations further and transition to a low- or zero-carbon grid.

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Press

French Technology Site NeozOne Touts the RHT and Natel's Fish Passage Tests as Innovative Solution for Hydropower

This article in French explains how Natel's FishSafe™ Restoration Hydro Turbine provides a solution for hydropower plants to coexist with migrating fish.

Announcements

Natel Announces $20M Series B to Further Deploy Modern Hydropower

Breakthrough Energy Ventures leads the round with funds to support accelerated growth.

Newsletters

Natel Spring 2024 Quarterly Newsletter

The test turbine isn't the only thing that's been moving quickly! Check out some of our highlights from the first quarter of 2024.