Natel Chief Gia Gives Hydropower a Boost

Hydropower already provides nearly 7% of the nation’s electricity. It also holds tremendous potential for expansion! But there are challenges: How can we harness water as a renewable energy resource without disrupting sensitive ecosystems, communities and wildlife? Gia Schneider has an answer. Her company is Natel Energy, which she co-founded with her brother back in 2005. The goal: change the way hydropower operates. The California-based shop is known for its Restoration Hydro, which generates several benefits: habitat creation, improved water quality, and sustained increases in groundwater. Natel also enhances river, wetland, and watershed connectivity, which can help mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods. With changing water patterns and more extreme precipitation events — i.e. snowpocalypses! — there is a critical need to meet sustainability needs of the future. Gia and her team are leading the way as we transition to a zero-carbon grid, wielding hydropower to improve watershed habitats, generate electricity, and upgrade critical water infrastructure, while also supporting reduced carbon goals.