Although it sounds improbable, a small river can become a reliable energy source. The flow of water powers a turbine, turning movement into electricity for homes. This happens without extra costs from the device and with minimal environmental impact.
Among the leading models is Energyfish, a compact, submersible turbine developed by the German company Energyminer. Standing about one meter tall and weighing around 80 kilograms, this device can be deployed in numbers to supply energy to small neighborhood communities.
According to the company, a group of 100 Energy Fish units can save roughly 2,300 tons of CO2 annually, which equates to offsetting the yearly emissions of about 1,700 small cars. These mini hydroelectric plants float like buoys on rivers, harvesting the channel momentum while leaving river biodiversity largely undisturbed.
In Munich, Germany, the turbine has already been put to work, reinforcing the claim that it delivers green electricity while living in harmony with nature. With 100 units, energy production could power more than 400 homes.
How does Energyfish work?
The system offers several advantages. It operates quietly and is nearly invisible on the river surface, and it poses no threat to fish or other river inhabitants. Installation and maintenance are straightforward, and it can run continuously throughout the year, independent of weather conditions that limit solar or wind energy.
The electricity generated by Energyfish feeds directly into the local grid, providing clean power to nearby users. With a capacity of up to 6 kilowatts per unit, this represents a low-voltage source available around the clock.
Setting up is simple. The device is anchored to the riverbed and remains afloat, starting with minimal effort. Company literature indicates the installation typically takes place within a few weeks.
Your activity can be tracked
Each compact hydraulic power station can be monitored continuously to ensure proper operation. In practice, Energyfish is a robust underwater hydrokinetic plant designed to remain functional even in adverse weather.
Small rivers suit this eco-friendly turbine well. If river levels rise due to floods or ice, Energyfish can automatically sink to the bottom while maintaining energy output.
The design protects against algae and floating debris like logs or soil. A front mesh prevents large fish from entering the turbine, letting water pass freely and reducing harm to aquatic life. Smaller fish can safely swim between the slowly rotating rotors; if touched, they are gently guided away from danger.
Hundreds of houses
Though described as a compact plant, the unit measures 3 by 2.4 by 1 meters and weighs roughly 80 kilograms. Given these dimensions, the river depth should exceed one meter with a minimum flow of 1.0 meters per second. The stated maximum flow rate is 2.5 meters per second, though some rivers like the Ebro can reach speeds of 27 meters per second. The company does not rule out using units on larger navigable rivers by placing turbines outside the navigation channel to avoid obstructing traffic.
A replica of the turbine highlights its form and purpose. Energyminer notes that river flow slows slightly near the device, but momentum returns to normal within about 20 meters downstream.
The first model has been installed in Munich. Each unit is claimed to produce an average of 15 megawatt hours per year with a maximum output of 6 kW. The estimated useful life of these plants is around 10 years. The company envisions deploying a herd along wide rivers, with up to 100 Energyfish units capable of delivering roughly 1.5 gigawatt hours of annual energy, equivalent to powering approximately 470 homes.
Note: Stock takes and field data should be consulted for exact performance figures in specific sites.