Energyminer is developing an innovative swarm system of floating micro-hydroelectric power plants, specifically for rivers and remote fish farms. These so-called ‘Energyfish’ are approximately 3 x 2.4 x 1 metres in size and can be installed within four hours without altering the ecology of the river. Under normal conditions, the system can generate around 150 megawatt hours of electricity per year and save 6 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Each micro hydropower plant delivers an average of 1.8 kW and a maximum of 6 kW of electricity. It automatically adapts to water level fluctuations and protects fish and water sports enthusiasts from harm. The devices are anchored outside the shipping channels.
The swarm system, consisting of ten units,
enables electricity production costs of around 8 pence per kilowatt hour
around 150 megawatt hours per year and
savings of approximately 6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
In March 2023, Energyminer's first micro hydroelectric power plant was successfully tested under real operating conditions at an approved location on the Auer Mühlbach stream in Munich. The relatively small and comparatively light prototype was deployed in the river within a few hours and reliably produced base load electricity with a safe voltage of 60 volts. With the help of innovative, patent-pending technologies, a very high level of environmental and fish protection was achieved, as well as an exceptionally high energy yield.
During floods, the Energyfish submerges without interrupting energy production (average 18 volts, maximum 60 volts).
As part of the funding, 10 prototypes are being built for the swarm, which will be extensively tested under real conditions.
Dr.-Ing. Georg Walder
georg.walder@energyminer.eu
