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Fish Passage – Lessons from Europe

CLEAN CURRENTS 2026

Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Day: 9/24/2026

Room Number: CC Central: Panel Discussions Room

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In the spring of 2026, Natel Energy and a major French utility completed comprehensive biological testing of its FishSafe Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) at a new project in France, with the aim of demonstrating to French regulators that the turbine itself can serve as an effective, screen-free fishway.

This session offers a detailed review of biological and operational data from this site. Crucially, this performance data will be evaluated by the strict French regulatory agency, OFB (French Office for Biodiversity), to augment their understanding of recognizing FishSafe RHTs as a downstream fish passage solution that eliminates the need for costly, maintenance-heavy fine exclusion screens.

Complementing the presentation of the study results, this session aims to translate this European milestone into actionable strategy for the American hydro fleet.

Image of Fish Passage – Lessons from Europe
Sterling Watson

Moderator

Principal Engineer at Natel Energy at Natel Energy

Image of Fish Passage – Lessons from Europe
Steve Leach

Panelist

Senior Fisheries Biologist, Environmental Regulatory Compliance Analyst at FirstLight Power

Image of Fish Passage – Lessons from Europe
Andy Qua

Panelist

Principal Consultant/Regulatory Advisor at Kleinschmidt Associates

Image of Fish Passage – Lessons from Europe
John Wiley

Panelist

Acting Regional Hydropower Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Northeast Region at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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