A Fife company has taken a step closer to putting its new in-river hydro energy device into production after securing £260,000 of development funding.
Methil’s River Energy Systems is testing its Hydros system a helical screw which generates electricity as it spins under the power of water flowing past it.
Scottish Enterprise has now given its backing to the Hydros programme and the project has received £260,000 from the SMART research and development fund.
A prototype device placed in the River Leven near Methilhill is being showcased to potential customers and investors.
The Crown Estate has already granted a lease to RES for placement of a scaled-up Hydros device in a large rivercourse and the company expects to place Hydros into full production within a relatively short time period.
Managing director Paul Trayner said: “It is exciting that we are now able to demonstrate this device to potential investors and customers.
“This trial device, which was designed and manufactured in Fife, could, itself, supply a typical house with its energy needs so the opportunity for a much bigger river is significant.”
Ronnie McKechan of Scottish Enterprise said: “This kind of innovation is potentially very important both to the energy market but also to the Fife economy.
“We are keen to see the working prototype move in to production and are very encouraged that River Energy Systems have a number of key customers and markets showing interest in the concept.”