IMR and GKinetic Energy partner to optimise manufacture of innovative river turbines

Pictured L-R: Gary Brennan CTO @ GKinetic and Evan Winterlich, Additive Manufacturing Senior Researcher at IMR


GKinetic Energy Ltd, a pioneer in kilowatt-scale hydrokinetic turbine technology, has been awarded an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher to collaborate with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). The project will focus on designing and manufacturing a 3D printed body for GKinetic’s 3kW river turbine using Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM). 

GKinetic’s patented hydrokinetic system generates clean, predictable energy from free-flowing water in rivers, canals, estuaries and tides. Right now the company is focused on commercial river deployments in Ireland. The unit features a unique floating platform and bluff body design that accelerates water into twin vertical-axis rotors. While current prototypes are constructed using traditional sheet aluminium fabrication, transitioning to LFAM technology will enable the team to produce complex hydrodynamic geometries that improve energy generation efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time. 

Gary Brennan, CTO at GKinetic Energy, commented:

“Working with IMR through the EI Innovation Voucher allows us access to a broad knowledge base and equipment that would otherwise be out of our reach. This project has allowed us to explore cutting-edge 3D printing techniques for our river turbines. Moving from traditional aluminium fabrication to Large Format Additive Manufacturing enables us to reduce both costs and production time while supporting our long-term sustainability goals."

The project is made possible through funding awarded under Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher scheme, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises to collaborate with specialist knowledge providers such as IMR to drive technological innovation. 

Anne Fitzpatrick, Manager, Climate Tech & Renewable Energy at Enterprise Ireland added:

"Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish companies as they develop innovative technologies that can contribute to the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Through the Innovation Voucher programme, GKinetic Energy can access the expertise of leading research organisations such as Irish Manufacturing Research to accelerate product development and strengthen its competitive position.

This collaboration demonstrates how Irish innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities can work together to deliver practical clean energy solutions with significant export potential."

The initiative will also explore the use of recycled plastic materials for fabrication, supporting GKinetic’s sustainability goals and alignment with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Members of the GKinetic engineering team recently visited IMR’s state-of-the-art facility to review printing operations and launch technical planning.

Alex Conway, Senior Additive Manufacturing Researcher at IMR added: 

"GKinetic's turbine technology is an exciting example of the kind of ambitious engineering challenge that we in IMR can support. By leveraging IMR's LFAM capabilities, we can explore new design freedoms, reduce manufacturing complexity, and help bring innovative renewable energy technologies to market more efficiently. We are proud to partner with GKinetic in advancing a solution that has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable energy future." 

The project deliverables include design optimization for LFAM, build time and material simulations, material testing, cost-benefit analysis versus traditional fabrication, and the delivery of a full-scale printed prototype. 

About GKinetic Energy Ltd

Founded in 2014 and based in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, GKinetic Energy Ltd develops kilowatt-scale hydrokinetic turbine systems that harness clean, predictable energy from free-flowing watercourses. With over €5.3 million secured in development funding and multiple successful deployments across Ireland, the UK, and France, GKinetic is pioneering decentralized baseload power generation for commercial and distributed energy markets. Website: www.gkinetic.com
 

About Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR)

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of research, training, and consultancy services to Industry across the following four thematic pillars: Digitisation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design for Manufacturing, and Robotics and Automation. IMR works with leading global and indigenous brands to demystify and derisk new and emerging technologies and to deliver high-impact collaborative research and services to enable advanced manufacturing for a broad range of clients across Ireland’s manufacturing network. Website: www.imr.ie

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. It works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. Website: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Media Contact: press@enterprise-ireland.com

GKinetic Energy : info@gkinetic.com