Energyminer develops and operates kinetic hydropower plants. The Munich-based company's micro-hydropower plants generate electricity from the flow velocity of rivers without interfering with the river habitat. They are located almost entirely underwater and barely visible. Inside, a turbine system operates, driven by the river's flow velocity. In the event of flooding or ice drift, the system automatically sinks to the bottom, thus bringing itself to safety—but continues to produce electricity.
According to the company, the underwater power plants operate silently and are designed to pose no danger to fish or plants. Water sports enthusiasts should also not be harmed or affected by the plants. The power plants are also continuously monitored by an intelligent networked system.
“The math suddenly works out”
When asked whether similar solutions already exist, the Energyminer founders say to Munich Startup:
"Basically, yes. However, the competitors who tried this field before us all failed. The main reason was that their plants didn't generate electricity economically. And that's exactly where we started, focusing on cost reduction from the very beginning. So we have a completely new plant concept with new patent-pending technologies. This allows us to dramatically reduce costs while simultaneously increasing energy yield. So we get more electricity at a much lower cost. And so the equation suddenly works out, and we have highly profitable plants."
Contribution to the energy transition
Energyminer’s goal is to establish kinetic hydropower as an essential component of the energy transition. Richard Eckl, Co-founder of Energyminer, explains:
"Baseload power plants are being shut down in droves – but an adequate replacement with renewable energies is not in sight. For the energy transition to succeed, we urgently need more renewables that are also capable of baseload. With our plants, we are able to make kinetic hydropower cost-efficient and highly profitable. We are pleased that with the support of Baystartup We have succeeded in convincing investors of our idea and are now able to develop it to series production readiness.”
Energyminer intends to use the seed financing to develop its kinetic hydropower plant to series production readiness and to operate initial test sites.
