Invisible hydrokinetic underwater turbines for future energy and control

Significant efforts are currently underway to achieve the energy transition to fully decarbonized systems. These include the expansion of conventional hydropower with run-of-river and pumped-storage power plants, as well as photovoltaics, wind power, and geothermal energy. However, the two new renewable energy sources, particularly the forward-looking wind and photovoltaic systems, have two crucial drawbacks. Electricity production is subject to significant daily and seasonal fluctuations. Furthermore, these are highly visible in the landscape and therefore not universally accepted by the population. This paper presents modules of micro-hydrokinetic turbines. These could be installed in large numbers in pipes laid completely underwater in rivers. They contribute to the electricity supply year-round and at all times of day. They thus combine the advantages of invisibility and availability. In addition, they can be switched on and off as needed, providing crucial control and balancing power for stabilizing the electricity grid.