Dutch turbine that rides ocean currents for electricity raises funds

Dutch startup Equinox Ocean Turbines BV has secured new funding through the Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN) Valorisatie program and the European Regional Development Fund (EFRO) to advance its development of a jet-sized underwater wind turbine powered entirely by ocean currents. Developed in collaboration with the University of Groningen, the turbine features a 50-meter concrete rotor with smaller turbines at each end, designed to operate fully submerged to avoid visual and environmental impacts. The system aims to generate up to three megawatts (MW) of reliable baseload electricity from steady ocean currents, positioning ocean current energy as a potential third major clean energy source alongside solar and wind. The funding will accelerate Equinox’s efforts to bring the ocean current turbine technology closer to market readiness, with the first commercial unit planned for launch in 2027. This innovative two-stage turbine, mounted on a semi-floating platform, leverages the constant and predictable nature of ocean currents to provide consistent clean energy with minimal ecological footprint.