Energyfish

The future of renewable energy lies in the rivers

What is the Energyfish by Energyminer?

The Energyfish is an innovative system for power generation that operates in perfect harmony with nature. This forward-thinking and highly sustainable energy source harnesses the power of water and produces electricity continuously in a river, 24 hours a day. This innovative micro-hydropower plant is capable of supplying energy to entire communities. What sets it apart is that the energy source is mostly submerged underwater and is hardly visible. The micro-hydropower plant operates silently and has been designed to pose no threat to fish. Unlike wind or solar power, the Energyfish is capable of providing baseload power, meaning it reliably produces electricity in all weather conditions throughout the year.

This means 100 percent clean renewable energy is available 24 hours a day generated locally all year round.

Each Energyfish directly feeds electricity through a low-voltage line into the local grid. The Energyfish is 100 percent flood-resistant, capable of submerging itself to continue generating power. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and has been engineered for maximum availability.

The Energyfish by Energyminer is the hydrokinetic power plant for clean energy generation in harmony with nature and the landscape.

Independent power supply for entire communities

Unabhängige Strom-versorgung für ganze Gemeinden

Local and baseload capable

Energyminer stands for local electricity production that is baseload capable, making it available around the clock. The power is fed into the low-voltage grid in a decentralized manner.

Quick and easy

Our installations are simply suspended in the river and anchored in the riverbed - without concrete, without a dam and without heavy machinery. The approval and installation of the power plant are completed within a few weeks. The best part is: there are no costs incurred for the communities.

100% clean and safe

This electricity production does not interfere with the river ecosystem. The technology is entirely fish-friendly. There is no risk during floods. The installations are monitored 24/7.

Green electricity
without negative impact on the river ecosystem

Efficient and secure

The operating principle of the Energyfish underwater power plant

The Energyfish is a compact hydrokinetic underwater power plant designed for use in rivers. Within the Energyfish, there is a robust and highly efficient turbine system that is driven by the natural flow velocity of the river. A fish protection system, especially developed by scientists, reliably safeguards fish from disturbances or injuries in their natural movement. In the event of high water or ice formation, the Energyfish adapts to the situation by automatically sinking to the riverbed for safety while continuing to generate power. The Energyfish installations are monitored 24/7 by an intelligent remote monitoring system. Due to the well-thought-out design, the surfaces of the Energyfish remain free from algae and from catching other floating objects in the river. Water sports enthusiasts are also protected as the Energyfish installations can be easily pushed downward or aside without any risk of injury or impairment.

The school of Energyfish

The inconspicuous power station operates in harmony with nature

The Energyfish operates in schools, with each school of Energyfish connected to multiple land stations that feed the electricity into the grid.
This setup generates an impressive performance that is both unobtrusive and powerful.

1,5 GWh/year

The Energyfish, on average, produces 15 megawatt hours per year.
A swarm of 100 Energyfish can generate up to 1.5 gigawatt hours annually, which is equivalent to powering approximately 470 households. The Energyfish school offers efficient performance in harmony with nature.

-1.300 t CO2/year

In terms of environmental impact, a school of 100 Energyfish can save around 2,300 tons of CO2 emissions per year. This is equivalent to offsetting the annual emissions of about 1,700 small cars. By utilizing the Energyfish schools, you can effectively contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

10 - 20 years

Our engineers have taken great care to ensure that the small hydroelectric power plant has a prolonged service life. The projected lifespan of an Energyfish exceeds 10 years, demonstrating its durability and dependable technology. By incorporating a robust construction and reliable technology, the Energyfish is designed to provide long-term and uninterrupted energy production.

Technical details Energyfish
Weight: approx. 80 kg
Measurements (L x W x H): approx. 2.8 x 2.4 x 1.4 m
Installation: swimming
Maximum power output: 6 kW
Average power output: 1.8 kW
Energyfish voltage: Extra-Low Voltage (ELV)
Grid connection voltage: 400 V 3 Phase AC
Installation requirements
Min. depth: 1 m
Min. flow velocity: 1 m/s
Flow velocity at max. power ouput: 2.5 m/s

Sustainable energy generation

The Energyfish in concept and action

The Energyfish embodies a comprehensive ecological approach as the first hydroelectric power station of its kind. It is effortlessly installed in the river and generates clean electricity continuously, day and night, without any detrimental effects on the river's ecosystem.
This animation explains the principle and application of the Energyfish.

Contact

The pilot plant

The first Energyfish in Munich

The initial Energyfish installation can be found floating in the Auer Mühlbach, situated in the heart of Munich. It seamlessly integrates with the landscape, remaining inconspicuous and barely noticeable. Just a short distance downstream, a conventional hydroelectric power station continues to operate at full capacity. The combination of traditional hydroelectric power plants with Energyfish schools can be successfully implemented in numerous locations, fully utilizing the substantial potential of hydropower for a successful transition to renewable energy.
The pilot plant represents the starting point for developing a new source of renewable and base load energy, constituting a significant milestone in the progress of the energy transition.

About Us

The team

Our team consists of experienced founders who possess the essential expertise in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and water engineering.
Through the Energyfish, we aim to make a significant contribution to the advancement of the energy transition.

About Us

The team

Wir sind ein erfahrenes Team, das alle notwendigen Kompetenzen aus Elektrotechnik, Maschinenbau und Wasserbau vereint. Mit dem Energyfish wollen wir einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Energiewende leisten.

Dr. Chantel Niebuhr

CTO / Technische Leitung
PhD in Civil Engineering
Conducted research on the topic of kinetic hydropower and is an absolute expert in the field
LinkedIn

Dr. Richard Eckl

coCEO / Management
Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with a focus on production technology and product development
LinkedIn

Dr. Georg Walder

coCEO / Management
Ph.D. in electrical engineering with a focus on power plant technology
LinkedIn

Natalie Rojko

CMO / Leitung Marketing
Many years of cross-industry expertise in marketing and communication
LinkedIn

Nominiert für den Bayerischen Innovationspreis 2024
Sieger des Münchner Businessplan Wettbewerbs 2023
Preisträger des Public Value Awards 2023
Sieger des Weltethos Pitch Day 2023
Nominiert für den Next Economy Award 2024

FAQ

Answers to the most common questions

The Energyfish offers a variety of unique benefits:

  1. The installation of the Energyfish does not require any dam walls or concrete structures. The natural watercourse of the river remains unchanged, preserving its natural state.
  2. The operation of the Energyfish is completely silent, and its visibility is minimal, as it remains submerged underwater over 90% of the time.
  3. The design of the Energyfish ensures that it does not pose a threat to fish and instead offers special protection measures to ensure their safety and unhindered movement. Our hydrokinetic system is fully compatible with fish and their habitats.
  4. The Energyfish generates electricity continuously, serving as a reliable and consistent base load power source, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  5. Rivers represent an inexhaustible and abundant source of energy for power generation, capable of providing constant power for centuries to come.

The Energyfish's unique advantages make it a sustainable and reliable source of energy.

In principle, the Energyfish can be used in many river sections.

An ideal river for Energyfish deployment must meet the following conditions:

  1. The river should have a minimum depth of 1 meter with a flow rate of at least 1 meter per second. It should also be wide enough at the desired location. A single Energyfish measures 2.4 meters in width and 3 meters in length.
  2.  Energyfish installations on large rivers are strategically positioned outside the shipping channels to ensure that they do not obstruct or interfere with shipping traffic.

After obtaining approval from the relevant authority, the installation of Energyfish can be swiftly carried out, enabling prompt commencement of electricity production. The installation of 10 systems typically takes approximately 3 days to complete. Subsequently, it is necessary to connect the Energyfish farm to the local power grid operator for integration into the low-voltage grid. This process ensures efficient and timely commissioning of the system.

The Energyfish is specifically designed to be low maintenance and self-cleaning. Due to its construction, floating debris simply floats by and algae cannot settle.

The long-term operational capability of the Energyfish was planned with a service life of well over 10 years. Each Energyfish is continuously monitored by an intelligent monitoring system that monitors power production, flow rate and relative location. In the event of irregularities, the system reacts immediately and notifies a service team to quickly intervene.

Thanks to this reliable and automated monitoring, the Energyfish can be operated efficiently and ensures high availability and performance over a long period of time.

It is not possible to purchase a single Energyfish. However, Energyminer offers the opportunity to participate in Energyfish schools. As a result, everyone can contribute to developing this innovative energy source and at the same time benefit from the advantages, such as protection against rising electricity prices.

Energyminer provides an all-round carefree package and takes care of the installation, operation and maintenance of the systems.

Bei der Entwicklung des Energyfish wurde größte Sorgfalt auf den Schutz der Natur und der Fische gelegt. Die Konstruktion des Energyfish wurde speziell darauf ausgelegt, Fische weder zu verletzen noch zu beeinträchtigen. Die großen Fische werden durch das Frontgitter davon abgehalten, in die Rotoren zu gelangen, während die kleinen Fische sicher durch die langsam drehenden Rotoren schwimmen können. Selbst bei einer möglichen Kollision wird der Fisch lediglich sanft weggeschoben, ohne Schaden zu nehmen. Die Fischverträglichkeit des Energyfish-Schwarmkraftwerks wurde in einer Studie bestätigt1.

Furthermore, the implementation of the Energyfish does not disrupt the natural condition of the river. This sustainable approach simplifies the approval process and fosters a high level of acceptance within the affected community.

We place significant emphasis on safeguarding the environment and the fish population, and we ensure that the Energyfish operates in harmony with nature.

1Assessment of Fish Interactions with the Energyminer Energyfish Hydrokinetic Turbine

The Energyfish was developed with robust protective mechanisms to work reliably even during flood events where the river may be susceptible to a lot of floating debris. In high tide conditions, the Energyfish automatically dives and lets larger floating debris float over it unhindered. In addition, the Energyfish withstands the impact of large objects.

For the extremely rare case that debris accumulates on the Energyfish and a blockage occurs, provisions are in place. The Energyfish uncouples itself and is safely guided to the riverbank by an emergency anchor. In such a situation, the service team will be notified immediately to take the necessary measures.

The Energyfish was designed in such a way that there is no danger to people or animals.

The entire system works with a safe extra-low voltage of 60 volts. Even if the cables are damaged, there is no risk to people or animals. In addition, the streamlined design of the Energyfish ensures that swimmers and water sports enthusiasts cannot injure themselves.

The Energyfish is anchored to the river bottom by a steel cable and can be easily pushed deeper or sideways to ensure safe passage for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

The Energyfish only has a minimal and localized impact on the flow of the river. In the immediate vicinity of the Energyfish, the flow speed is slightly slowed down, but this does not represent a significant obstacle. After a short distance of 20 meters, the river recovers to its original flow speed.