GKinetic Energy is in the process of developing an ‘off-grid’ floating device which could generate the electricity to sufficiently power up to 15 homes in Ireland’s remote communities.

The Irish Times reports that the company based in Limerick is working on a 25kw commercial tidal device, following an 8kw prototype which generated outputs above international industry standards in testing phases.

Vincent McCormack, GKinetic’s chief executive, said: “When we first started looking at this we identified what the problems were within the industry and a key one was deployment cost.

“We came up with a floating device that accelerates the flow into the turbines so we are actually getting double the speed of the water and, therefore, greater power”.

The developing device would be easily deployed in rivers with depths as shallow as two metres, and will provide electricity for communities which to date have relied on unsustainable and pollutant fuels such as diesel.

In its testing phase, the device will be trialled at Limerick Docks and has turbines on both sides of the vertical cylinder to provide acceleration which is double that of natural water flow.

Manufacturing partner DesignPro, based in Rathkeale, recently received grant funding of €2.7m from Horizon 2020 in order to commercialise 25kw and 60kw devices using the technology.

McCormack added: “We are now going to develop our first commercial unit but that will require rigorous testing over two years. Once we’re beyond that, we expect to be into full production of 25kw machines in 2020.

“We are fully funded out for that period to bring the design to commercialisation.”

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