Limerick utilising unique energy device

AN UNSUSPECTING individual walking the three bridges route could easily mistake a unique energy device that sits on top of the Shannon river for a small boat.

The unit is a hydrokinetic energy converter that can generate clean, reliable electricity from the natural kinetic movement found in free-flowing water.

There are no dams or permanent civil infrastructure needed and it can be easily relocated or removed if needed.

Above the surface, all that can be seen is a low-profile platform which houses all the electrical equipment for the unit.

Underneath the water are two vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines that are turned by the force of the water to generate predictable, local energy.

When running at full capacity, the 12kW unit currently on display can output enough power to meet the full electrical needs of 17 Irish homes.

In remote communities with lower energy usage, one turbine can power an entire village of 80-90 homes.

This highly-innovative demonstration is part of an EU-funded smart cities project called ‘+CityxChange’ which is led by two Lighthouse Cities; Limerick and Trondheim (Norway).

The aim of the project is to achieve sustainable urban ecosystems that have zero emissions and establish a 100% renewable energy city-region by 2050.

This turbine demonstration aims to highlight the significant untapped energy potential in our free-flowing waterways such as rivers, canals, estuaries and tidal streams and to prove that it is possible to harness this energy with little-to-no negative impacts and in a way that is harmonious to the society and environment.

“Being a zero-carbon, renewable energy device means it can deliver instant carbon emissions reduction, offering a feasible alternative where other generation solutions may not be suitable. Unique to hydrokinetic technologies is the predictability of the supply,” a spokesperson for GKinetic said.

“Unlike solar or wind, the power output can often be fully predictable meaning a reliable baseload supply, energy security and certainty of payback and return on investment,” they added.

“It will rise with the moon”, is a phrase now well known and loved by residents and visitors to Limerick city alike, as it can be seen written on the quay walls from O’Callaghan Strand looking toward the city.

The phrase refers to the predictability of the tide, rising and falling with the cycles of the moon so it is very fitting to have a turbine that harnesses this natural phenomenon right alongside it for what is an incredibly unique and innovative showcase.

The technology has been developed by local Limerick company GKinetic Energy and its unique design concepts that make it so efficient are covered by nine granted patents with a new patent filed earlier this year.

The unit currently on temporary anchor is now ready for commercial pilot projects and the company is busy securing suitable multinational partners such as Japanese pump manufacturer Torishima to help its market roll out.

The turbines will be used to create more green energy, displacing unsustainable, fossil fuel alternatives.

The hydrokinetic energy converter will be used to bring more green energy online, displacing unsustainable, fossil fuel alternatives such as diesel generators.

Thanks to the predictability of the supply the turbines will enable access to zero-carbon, energy security for those who need it most.

An independent team of PhD students from NUIG are looking to gather feedback on people’s reactions and thoughts to seeing the device in the river.

It would be appreciated for anyone interested in supporting the project to head to www.gkinetic.com to complete the survey.

An event showcasing what the hydrokinetic energy converter can do was held in the Shannon Rowing Club building in Limerick city and was attended by Mayor of Limerick City and County Cllr Gerald Mitchell, a number of representatives from GKinetic, other representatives from Limerick City and County Council, a member of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and a representative from the University of Galway.