If you live next to a river and want clean energy to power your home, there is great news for you. The Belgian company Turbulent has created a “fish-friendly” turbine that can be installed in just one week.
The innovative turbine can provide energy 24 hours a day to dozens of homes when installed in rivers and canals. It provides low-cost energy as the generator uses only running water to produce energy. Each turbine can actually power up to 60 homes. What more can I say? Oh yes. The turbine has a long operating life and requires little maintenance because it has a sort of "self-cleaning filter" that captures large debris. And it can be monitored remotely!
Better than solar?
Turbulent says on its site that its turbine is a much better option for areas with rivers than solar power. “While solar is a great way to supplement energy needs with renewable energy, a small hydroelectric plant is the clear choice wherever there is a viable river. This turbine is convenient, reliable and much more compact.” I don't feel like denying these statements.
The company has already built one of its turbines for the Green School in Bali, Indonesia. The Green School wanted to power world-class education entirely through renewable energy in the middle of the jungle. The turbine generated energy from small rivers without needing a large difference in altitude and without any negative impact on the local environment. More: Turbulent has also proven to be highly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as tropical storms.
Turbulent turbine, the next steps
Turbulent is now building turbines all over the world: Taiwan, Philippines, Suriname, Portugal and Chile. Past projects also include a turbine-tank combination in France, Estonia and Chile.
There's just one problem, correct me if I'm wrong. It only works when the water flows freely: which means that if the water were to freeze, the turbine would stop. Fortunately, none of the places where turbines are built have this problem, but its use baffles me in cold places.
