Energyminer has taken a significant step toward scaling sustainable energy production: The company received the first official approval for a large-scale swarm power plant in Germany. The largest facility of its kind is now being built at the St. Goar am Rhein site: 124 so-called energy fish will continuously generate electricity from the river's natural flow – in a way that is compatible with fish, environmentally friendly, and without dams.
With this project, the Munich-based startup is launching a new phase of the energy transition. The approved swarm power plant is considered a milestone for the use of flowing waters for electricity generation and demonstrates that modern hydropower technologies can be implemented in an economically viable and ecologically responsible manner. The project also marks the transition from the pilot phase to a scalable, decentralized energy infrastructure.
Energy from the natural dynamics of water
The Energyfish, developed by Energyminer, is based on a novel system approach. Unlike conventional hydropower The river is neither dammed nor diverted. Instead, the technology harnesses the water's natural dynamics. Precise coordination between hydraulics, mechanics, and control systems is required to operate these floating systems.
Chantel Niebuhr, CTO of Energyminer, explains:
"Our systems must remain stable in constantly changing flow conditions—that's the real technical challenge. We design every detail so that the system behaves predictably even under extreme conditions and operates reliably in continuous operation."
This approach shapes the entire design of the swarm—from construction to anchoring and maintenance. The technology is designed to be robust, flexible, and suitable for continuous operation in rivers.
From prototype to scalable system
With the approval in St. Goar, the next development phase for Energyminer begins.
Richard Eckl, Co-CEO of Energyminer, commented:
"St. Goar is our proof of scale. The approval makes it clear: We can develop this new renewable energy source. Our power plants can be built, operated, and scaled, producing baseload renewable energy."
The project also sends a signal to authorities and investors. The decision demonstrates that modern hydropower technologies can not only meet environmental requirements but also set new standards.
Natalie Rojko, CMO of Energyminer, emphasizes:
"This approval is a vote of confidence in our technology and our approach to advancing innovation through transparency and scientific collaboration. It sends a clear signal: environmentally friendly, baseload-capable energy from rivers is no longer a vision, but a reality."
Energyminer, based in Gröbenzell near Munich, is developing floating hydroelectric power plants that operate without dams and are fully integrated into the natural river system. The technology harnesses the kinetic energy of free-flowing waters and produces clean electricity around the clock. The startup has already received numerous awards, including from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and the Munich Business Plan Competition. Energyminer aims to make a measurable contribution to the ecological transformation of the energy supply.
