Atlanta, GA --August 28, 2002 -- The U.S. Department of Energy has selected fish-friendly turbine technology developed by GE Hydro, a unit of GE Power Systems, for its program to promote the development of environmentally friendly hydropower projects.

GE's fixed blade propeller turbine design was chosen by the DOE's Idaho Operations Office from among several competing companies' submissions and resulted in a contract to assist the DOE in developing a fish-friendly turbine specification. The DOE incorporated the GE-developed criteria into its request for proposals, issued in the spring of 2002, for government-subsidized hydropower projects that reduce fish mortality.

The GE Hydro turbine design incorporates a fixed blade propeller runner, a vaneless distributor, and fewer, longer blades, all calculated to reduce the rate of fish mortality and injury by 50% or more. The design minimizes extreme pressure gradients, high shear zones, the number of obstructions in the turbine water passages, and flow irregularities such as vortices, low pressure zones, and cavitation. Fewer wicket gates and a slower turbine rotational speed compared to conventional designs also contribute to an improved survival rate for fish passing through the hydro turbine.

"This project is another example of GE Hydro's commitment to the advancement of environmentally beneficial technologies. We look forward to continuing to work together with the Department of Energy in this regard," said Robert Balletti, GE Hydro U.S. sales director.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Hydropower Program, administered by the Office of Power Technologies through the Idaho Operations Office, develops, conducts, and coordinates research and development with industry and other federal agencies to improve the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower.