Natel Energy Honored with Patents for Humanity: Green Energy Award for Innovative FishSafe Restoration Hydro Turbine
Washington, D.C., December 3, 2024 – Natel Energy is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Patents for Humanity: Green Energy Award by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This recognition highlights Natel’s groundbreaking work in developing technologies that advance renewable energy while addressing critical environmental challenges.
Natel received this award for its patented FishSafe Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT), co-invented by Abe Schneider, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, and Sterling Watson, Principal Engineer. The FishSafe RHT is a revolutionary hydropower turbine runner that generates renewable electricity with the same efficiency as conventional turbines while functioning as a downstream fishway. This dual-purpose design prioritizes biodiversity by achieving an impressive 98–100% fish passage survival rate across various species, as demonstrated in multiple peer-reviewed studies.
The award ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., celebrated innovators tackling climate change through inventive technologies. Natel’s Co-Founder and CTO Abe Schneider, alongside Chief Financial Officer Kizzie Brown, represented the company at the event. Schneider also delivered an acceptance speech, underscoring the transformative impact of the FishSafe RHT and the importance of innovation in creating a sustainable future.
“We are honored that the USPTO has recognized the potential of FishSafe turbines to revolutionize hydropower,” said Schneider. “This technology reflects our commitment to developing solutions that balance renewable energy generation with ecological preservation.”
The Patents for Humanity: Green Energy competition spotlights the critical role of intellectual property in addressing climate change and advancing renewable energy solutions. Natel Energy joins an esteemed group of innovators, including fellow hydropower pioneers Emrgy Inc. and Hydrokinetic Energy Corp., as well as leaders in solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels.
Natel extends its gratitude to the U.S. Department of Energy, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, and the National Hydropower Association for their ongoing support and collaboration.
About Natel Energy
Natel Energy is working to support healthy rivers, promote biodiversity and decarbonize the grid through hydropower that is safe for fish. Natel delivers high-performance FishSafe™ turbine and plant designs informed by industry-leading CFD modeling and analysis. In partnership with turbine manufacturers, Natel designs solutions to upgrade existing hydropower plants and develop new, sustainable projects worldwide, mitigating climate change while curbing biodiversity loss. To learn more about the FishSafe Restoration Hydro Turbine and Natel Energy’s mission to create sustainable hydropower solutions, visit Natel Energy’s website.
