Overview/Objective
Hydropower generates nearly 7% of the electricity in the United States and will play an increasingly crucial role as we transition to a grid more reliant on intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. However, hydropower dams can pose challenges for aquatic species by obstructing vital migration routes, particularly for fish that need to move between upstream and downstream environments. To address this, a variety of fish passage technologies have been implemented over the years. Yet, despite these efforts, there is no comprehensive national dataset documenting the deployment and effectiveness of these technologies. This gap hinders stakeholders from efficiently planning and optimizing fish passage facilities.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are addressing this gap by developing the first centralized, geo-referenced database of fish passage facilities at hydropower installations across the United States. In collaboration with experts from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, ORNL aims to provide stakeholders with the data they need to ensure the effective design, construction, and operation of fish passage systems.
Methodology
ORNL researchers are approaching the project with three primary goals:
- Detailing Existing Technologies: ORNL is compiling information on fish passage technologies and operations currently in use at hydropower dams across the country. This involves analyzing public data, hydropower licensing documents, and input from project partners.
- Cost Analysis: The team is working with industry stakeholders to gather information on the costs associated with constructing, operating, and maintaining fish passage systems.
- Performance Documentation: Researchers are identifying and documenting performance studies conducted at fish passage facilities, providing critical insights into their effectiveness.
A key aspect of this project is the creation of a web-based map. Initially developed for the New England region and rolled out nationally in 2024, this tool allows users to evaluate fish passage infrastructure within various watersheds. The map integrates hydropower development data with river and stream information from the US Geological Survey’s National Hydrography Dataset, enabling more comprehensive analysis of fish passage capabilities across the United States.
Impact
As a major contributor to renewable energy, hydropower is integral to the US’s clean energy future. However, ensuring the ecological health of the rivers and reservoirs surrounding hydropower installations is equally important. By documenting the deployment of fish passage facilities and the associated costs, ORNL’s national dataset will help hydropower operators and environmental stakeholders plan more effectively, optimizing fish passage technologies and contributing to the preservation of aquatic species. The ability to assess potential connectivity on a larger scale will also provide crucial insights into how best to protect and restore safe habitats for migratory fish.
Get Involved
If you own or operate a hydropower facility with fish passage infrastructure, or if you have conducted studies on fish passage performance, your input can help enhance this national database. Contact ORNL to contribute your insights.
