In September 2021, Natel conducted formal testing with PNNL on a cohort of American eel passing through the RHT test unit operating at 670 rpm under 10 m of hydraulic head. Following the test the eels were monitored for 48 hours with 100% survival.
The US Water Power Technologies Office selected Natel for $1.3M in funding to educate the public about hydropower, its relationship with freshwater ecology, and its benefit to a renewable grid.