Energyminer: Decentralized Hydropower from Natural River Flow

Energyminer: Decentralized Hydropower from Natural River Flow

In the middle of a river current, three streamlined bodies float at the surface, tethered and aligned with the flow. There is no dam, no diversion canal, no visible powerhouse on the riverbank. Instead, the kinetic energy of the water itself becomes the driving force. This is the operating principle behind the “Energyfish,” developed by Energyminer GmbH, a German clean-tech company focused on generating electricity from free-flowing rivers. Headquartered in Gröbenzell near Munich, Energyminer develops floating hydrokinetic systems designed to produce renewable electricity continuously. The company positions its approach as a complement to conventional hydropower, aiming to harness river currents without constructing weirs or large concrete structures.

Technology and Product

Hydrokinetic energy generation in natural river currents requires a precise balance of engineering and environmental integration. At the core of the system is the Energyfish, a floating hydrokinetic unit that converts the kinetic energy of flowing water directly into electricity. The device operates nearly submerged and is anchored to the riverbed, generating power without river diversion or damming structures. The concept combines hydrodynamics, buoyancy control, anchoring systems and digital monitoring. Installations are organized as fleets, allowing multiple units to operate within a defined river section and enabling modular scaling. Ecological compatibility has been examined in an independent study by the Technical University of Munich.

The Energyfish units convert the kinetic energy of moving water into electricity without dams or diversion structures. (© Energyminer GmbH)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Energyminer operates in the field of decentralized renewable energy generation. River currents provide a continuous energy source in many regions, offering baseload capabilities independent of weather variability. The company describes its installations as capable of delivering electricity around the clock under natural flow conditions. With the approved project in St. Goar, Energyminer is entering the next stage of development: from single prototypes to a scalable, economically viable energy infrastructure powered by free-flowing rivers. The fleet model allows phased expansion and adaptation to site-specific hydrological conditions. Energyminer presents its river-based systems as contributing to renewable diversification while remaining integrated into existing aquatic environments.

The hydroelectric fleet on the Rhine River in St. Goar is comprised of 124 Energyfish units. (© Energyminer GmbH)

Founding Team

Energyminer was co-founded by Dr. Georg Walder and Dr. Richard Eckl, both serving as Co-CEOs. The executive team combines technical expertise in hydrodynamics and systems engineering with strategic and operational experience, working alongside scientific and regulatory partners to advance hydrokinetic fleet installations.