Electric fish in the Lech: Pilot project for energy generation soon in Augsburg?

Energyminer worked on systems for generating electricity from rivers. The start-up from Gröbenzell was awarded the “Innovation Prize Bavaria 2024” by Economics Minister Dr. Robert Habeck. Can a pilot project in the Fuggerstadt enable a market breakthrough?

The future of renewable energy sources lies in rivers. At least that is how Energyminer GmbH sees it. The start-up from Gröbenzell wants to set new standards in sustainable energy generation. The founding team of Dr. Chantel Niebuhr, Dr. Richard Eckl and Dr. Georg Walder has combined their expertise in hydraulic engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Since 2012 they have been developing a system for generating electricity from rivers: the so-called Energyfish.

The technology uses the flow speed of rivers to generate baseload, CO₂-free electricity without affecting natural habitats. It also works in harmony with nature and aims to make a decisive contribution to the energy transition.

Green electricity without impact on the river biotope

The energy source uses the power of water and produces electricity in a river 24 hours a day. The floating current power plant is capable of supplying entire communities with energy. What’s special about it is that the Energyfish quickly finds itself completely underwater and is barely visible. Inside is a robust and highly efficient turbine system that is powered by the natural flow speed of the river. The Energyfish works in swarms. Each of these is connected to several land stations, which in turn feed the electricity into the grid. This generates considerable power.

“In contrast to wind power or photovoltaics, the Energyfish is capable of base load and therefore produces electricity reliably in all weather conditions and at any time of year,” explains Dr. Richard Eckl, who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering. “Each system supplies electricity directly to the local low-voltage grid.” The fish is 100 percent flood-resistant, can dive and continue producing. It is also low-maintenance and designed for maximum availability,” he says, describing the principle behind kinetic hydropower.

Nature and animal conservationists have great concerns about the technology. Energyminer also wants to convince people with its environmental awareness: the systems are simply hung in the river and anchored in the riverbed – without any concrete, without a dam, without heavy equipment. The installed, slowly rotating rotor protects the fish primarily by not injuring them, but “just pushing them aside, even if they come into contact with it,” explains Dr. Eckl. The technology works silently and is designed in such a way that it operates without negatively affecting the river biotope and also poses no danger to fish, bathers or water sports enthusiasts.

Facility soon in Augsburg?

The pilot plant of the 16-person company is floating in the Auer Mühlbach, in the middle of Munich. The first Energyfish swarm could soon be installed in Augsburg, more precisely in a section of the Lech near the sewage treatment plant in the south of Gersthofen. Energyminer has organized an information event in downtown Augsburg, at the Manzù fountain. Interested parties and passers-by were able to take a close look at an Energyfish and learn more about the sustainable concept. Approval from the city of Augsburg and installation of the power plant could soon follow.

A miniature view of the current power plant in front of the original plant, which is about two meters high and three meters long. Photo: B4BSchwaben.de

“We are planning a school of 100 energy fish near the sewage treatment plant, which will be isolated in a thin section of the river.” “Most of the river will also remain free,” explains Dr. Eckl. The company is currently waiting for the final feedback from the approval authorities. When asked why the Fuggerstadt was chosen, the co-managing director promptly replied: “The Lech is fundamentally very suitable because it has sufficient water depth and flow speed.” We are also of course aware of Augsburg’s great tradition in the field of water and hydropower. Both of these combined represent the ideal location for our first large power plant.”

Potential customers for the project could of course be municipalities, but also energy suppliers or industrial companies. Depending on the conditions at the location or the distance to the grid application point, the swarm size at the facility will consist of at least 10 and up to 100 Energyfish in order to represent a relevant size in power generation. The expert estimates that the investment will therefore be on average several hundred thousand euros.

Award-winning contribution to climate protection

Energyminer was awarded a prize last week at the “Startup Germany Summit” in Berlin, which was presented by Economics Minister Dr. Robert Habeck. The initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection brings together the best start-ups, investors and decision-makers every year.

“We are delighted to receive this award, which recognizes our hard work and commitment to a greener future,” says Dr. Richard Eckl. “The award encourages us to continue to develop innovative solutions and make our contribution to climate protection.”