The Energyfish: pioneering sustainable micro-hydropower technology

Energyminer works within the renewable energy sector and is focused on developing innovative solutions for sustainable electricity generation. The company from Gröbenzell, Germany, specialises in micro-hydropower technology, and its flagship product, the Energyfish, is designed to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water in rivers to produce clean and reliable electricity with minimal environmental impact. 

What is the Energyfish?

The Energyfish is a micro-hydropower plant that operates just below the surface of the water, making it nearly invisible and minimising its impact on the river ecosystem. Designed to provide 24/7 continuous power generation, it can power entire communities while remaining inconspicuous. The Energyfish never works alone, but rather in large groups. For example, the combined production of 100 Energyfish can power up to 470 homes 24 hours a day, all year round. This technology has the potential to generate an additional 473 TWh of electricity in Europe each year. 

An Energyfish measures approximately 3 x 2.4 x 1.4 m and weighs around 100 kg. Its turbine system harnesses the kinetic energy of water, requiring a minimum flow speed of one metre per second in rivers with a depth of at least one metre. 

The average power output of a single unit is approximately 1.8 kW, based on a typical flow rate in many rivers, with a maximum capacity of 6 kW. Each unit can generate approximately 15 MWh of electricity per year.

The design incorporates advanced engineering principles to ensure efficiency and durability. The Energyfish includes a first-of-its-kind IoT system with an intelligent monitoring system that tracks performance metrics such as rotor speed and power output. The IoT system tracks the unit’s current position and movements of the system, water temperature, current velocity, anchor force, and level of system soiling, enabling real-time data analysis and maintenance alerts via a dedicated app.

This IoT system minimises maintenance and cleaning costs through automated functions such as rotor-run-in-reverse cleaning function and fish protection, as well as safety functions like rotor slow-down and production shutdown. This ensures high availability and minimal maintenance requirements over the 10–20-year life of the system. 

The Energyfish © Energyminer GmbH

Flood protection

Flood protection is provided by the design and technology of the Energyfish which repels river debris. Large debris slides past the unit and smaller debris is removed, when necessary, by the automatic rotor-run-in-reverse cleaning function.

In the event of high water, the unit will self-submerge, i.e. without the need for an actuator, removing itself from the dangerous situation. Large floating debris can then simply pass over, ensuring it and the Energyfish does not become a hazard or obstruction. In extreme flooding, a double anchor allows the Energyfish to drift ashore, removing the Energyfish from danger and clearing the flow cross-section. After the flood event, the unit will independently return to its original position.

Floating just below the surface of the river, the Energyfish is securely anchored to the riverbed. The electricity it generates is transmitted to a land-based station where it is converted to meet local grid requirements. 

One of the key advantages of the Energyfish is its ease of installation. The installation process typically takes only a few weeks, making it an attractive option for communities looking to rapidly deploy renewable energy solutions without incurring significant costs. 

The Energyfish contributes significantly to the sustainability of hydropower projects by minimising environmental impact while maximising energy generation. Its design allows it to operate almost entirely submerged, reducing visual intrusion and potential harm to aquatic life. By eliminating the need for dams and habitat alteration, the Energyfish maintains the natural flow of rivers and avoids ecological disruption.

In addition, by providing baseload power, consistent energy generation regardless of weather conditions, the Energyfish increases enhances energy security for communities that rely on renewable sources. This capability is critical as societies transition away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy systems. 

Energyfish in the river © Energyminer GmbH

Current Energyfish development stage

The Energyfish is currently undergoing extensive testing and pilot deployment. Initial projects based in Munich have been successfully launched, including a pilot in Munich, which has been providing valuable insights into the operational efficiency and environmental interactions of the device. 

These pilot devices serve as proof of concept for a wider implementation of the Energyfish in various more diverse river systems across Germany and eventually beyond. Chantel Niebuhr, CTO at Energyminer, emphasises the importance of rigorous testing: “We are constantly refining our designs based on real-world data from our pilot installations This iterative approach of prototyping ensures that each subsequent deployment benefits from the lessons learned in earlier phases.”

The first schools of Energyfish are expected to be installed and operational in Germany in 2025.  

Installation of Energyfish in Auer Mühlbach © Energyminer GmbH

Innovative solutions

Sustainable hydropower projects like the Energyfish are critical to meeting the world’s energy needs while mitigating the effects of climate change. With the Energyfish, Energyminer offers a decentralised energy source that can be deployed immediately, scaled up quickly, and provide baseload renewable energy to the energy mix. As countries strive to meet renewable energy targets, innovative solutions that balance environmental integrity with sufficient energy production will be essential. Integrating micro-hydropower systems into local grids not only supports community resilience, but also boosts local economies through job creation and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels

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Taxonomy

• Hydropower
• Hydro Power
• Micro Hydro Siting