Energyminer has taken a significant step toward scaling sustainable energy production: the company received the first official permit for a large-scale swarm power plant in Germany. At the St. Goar location on the Rhine, the largest facility of its kind is now being built: 124 so-called energy fish will continuously generate electricity from the river’s natural current – fish-compatible, landscape-friendly, and without dams.
With this project, the Munich startup is initiating a new phase of the energy transition. The approved swarm power plant is considered a milestone for harnessing flowing waters for electricity generation and demonstrates that modern hydropower technologies can be implemented economically and ecologically responsibly. The project also marks the transition from pilot stage to a scalable, decentralized energy infrastructure.
Energy from the natural dynamics of water
The energy fish developed by Energyminer is based on a novel system approach. Unlike conventional hydropower, the river is neither dammed nor redirected. Instead, the technology harnesses the natural dynamics of water. Operating the floating systems requires precise coordination between hydraulics, mechanics, and controls.
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 characterizes the entire structure of the swarm – from design through anchoring to maintenance. The technology is intended to be robust, flexible, and designed for permanent operation in rivers.
From prototype to scalable system
With the permit in St. Goar, Energyminer is entering the next development phase.
Richard Eckl, Co-CEO of Energyminer, comments:
“St. Goar is our proof of scale. The permit makes clear: we can tap into this new renewable energy source. Our power plants can be built, operated, and scaled to produce baseload-capable, renewable energy.”
The project also has significance for authorities and investors. The decision shows that modern hydropower technologies not only meet ecological requirements but can set new standards.
Natalie Rojko, CMO of Energyminer, emphasizes:
“This permit is a vote of confidence – in our technology and our approach to advancing innovation through transparency and scientific collaboration. It sends a clear signal: nature-compatible, baseload-capable energy from rivers is no longer a vision, but reality.”
Energyminer, based in Gröbenzell near Munich, develops floating hydropower plants that operate without dams and integrate fully into the natural river system. The technology harnesses the kinetic energy of freely flowing waters and produces clean electricity around the clock. The startup has received multiple awards, including from Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz and at the Munich Business Plan Competition. Energyminer is committed to making a measurable contribution to the ecological transformation of energy supply.
