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Harnessing Untapped Hydropower Potential

Hydropower stands tall as the predominant renewable energy source globally, contributing significantly to electricity generation. Yet, numerous opportunities to harness this resource remain unexplored. Emily Morris, a pioneer in this sector, in collaboration with Professor Thorsten Stoesser, has crafted an innovative hydropower system that aims to address this very gap. This groundbreaking work has earned them a spot as finalists in the "Non-EPO Countries" category of the prestigious European Inventor Award 2026.

The Modular Hydropower Revolution

Their invention introduces a modular hydropower approach that maximizes the efficiency of existing water flow infrastructure. By utilizing existing canals and waterways, their system channels water through turbines—thus converting flowing water into clean energy without the need for extensive new construction.

The core feature of their design is a Hydro-Transition Unit, which skillfully redirects and constricts water flow, ensuring that a larger volume passes through turbines at optimal speeds. This method not only captures energy from shallow waters but also enables electricity generation in areas otherwise unsuitable for traditional hydropower installations.

How It Works

The modular system incorporates pairs of counter-rotating vertical-axis Darrieus rotors, ideal for variable water levels. Each module is capable of generating between 5–25 kW, allowing for scalable installations along long canal networks. The ease of installation and maintenance, due to its standardized components, marks a significant advancement in distributed hydropower technology.

"What originated as a simple academic idea has now translated into practical technology impacting real-world scenarios," commented Stoesser.

A Journey from Research to Real-World Impact

The origins of this invention trace back to 2008 when Stoesser embarked on a project testing hydrokinetic devices with students at Georgia Institute of Technology. Concurrently, Morris, who possessed a background in naval drivetrain technologies, identified an opportunity to adapt her knowledge for hydropower after her initial project transitioned.

In 2014, she founded Emrgy in Atlanta, committing to commercializing this technology by merging Stoesser’s hydrodynamic research with scalable engineering techniques. In collaboration with local authorities, they undertook full-scale tests, further refining their Hydro-Transition concept.

Broadening Access to Clean Energy

To date, Emrgy has established partnerships with 48 water and irrigation districts across the U.S., enabling the rollout of their distributed hydropower systems across approximately 19,000 km of canal infrastructure. This strategic deployment allows for impactful clean energy solutions that are more accessible than ever.

Morris and Stoesser are among the finalists competing for this esteemed award, alongside innovators from around the world tackling issues ranging from lithium-ion battery recycling to air filtration technology. The European Patent Office will announce the winners on July 2, 2026, in Berlin, alongside public voting for the Popular Prize, which runs until the same date.

This innovation not only highlights a transformative approach to renewable energy but also represents the pivotal role of women in STEM fields, exemplified by Morris's impactful journey in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Her perspective has provided unique insights that have fueled collaboration and progress in hydropower technologies.

As the world seeks alternative energy solutions, Morris and Stoesser’s modular hydropower system serves as a beacon of potential, showcasing how innovative engineering can harness existing resources for a sustainable future.

For more extensive insights into this technology and its impact, you can explore further here.