Turbulent

Turbulent is a Belgian company that develops low-head micro hydropower generators. Its flagship product, the Vortex Turbine, only requires a height difference of 1.5 m to be installed and is capable of producing electricity around the clock. A single Vortex turbine has an output capacity ranging from 15 kW to 70 kW, making it ideal for businesses or households. However, for larger electricity generation requirements, a cluster of turbines can be interconnected to deliver power output in the multiple megawatt range.

Turbulent claims the Vortex Turbine is the smallest of its kind for each given energy level. Designed to have a lifespan of 30 years, it is low-maintenance and impervious to flood risk. Further, the unique basin shape of the unit transforms the flow of water into a low-pressure vortex, allowing fish and other aquatic life to pass through without harm.

Key customers and partnerships

The Vortex Turbine and its technologies were developed in collaboration with several universities and other partners including Ku Leuven, Vito, Inno Energy, Imec, Clean Tech Flanders, Engie, P18, Start it KBC, and Alliance for Rural Electrification, among others.

In February 2022, Turbulent partnered with Hydrobox Kenya, to develop a 110 kW project consisting of three 37 kW turbines along the Mathioya river, in Kenya to support rural electrification. In July 2022, Turbulent, along with its partner Hydrotron, signed a micro hydropower PPA with TSMC to deliver up to 10 mW of green energy.

Funding and financials

In March 2019, Turbulent raised EUR 3.2 million (~USD 3.5 million) in a Series A funding round with participation from new investors that include Inventures and Victrix. Turbulent also received funding from the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program.