Hydro-k
Innovation that transforms lives
The hydro-k turbine offers a low-cost, sustainable alternative to expand energy access for riverside populations
Renewable energy for isolated communities in the Amazon
Innovative technology harnesses the energy of river currents to bring electricity to remote riverside communities
Remote communities in the Amazon face serious challenges when it comes to accessing electricity. Many still rely on diesel generators, which are limited, unreliable, and highly polluting, affecting quality of life and restricting access to basic services such as communication, education, and clean water.
Today, around 1 million people remain completely off-grid, while another 3 million rely exclusively on diesel in 251 isolated energy systems across Brazil.
This is an energy challenge that demands an innovative solution. Most of these communities are too far from existing power lines, making traditional grid expansion economically unviable. And due to the region’s geographic and climatic conditions, alternatives such as solar, wind, or battery storage perform poorly because of low solar irradiance, inconsistent wind patterns, and high battery replacement costs.
Integrating renewable energy into the effort to universalize electricity access in remote areas of the Amazon rainforest is key. Among the available sources, hydrokinetic energy stands out as a renewable, lifecycle-sustainable and cost-effective solution that can also contribute to climate resilience.
How hubz is helping to meet this challenge
Hydrokinetic energy is a low-impact solution providing reliable, renewable, and affordable electricity for riverside communities. Additionally, it can also support the sustainable development of the Amazon’s bioeconomy, enhancing productivity, education, and healthcare while promoting inclusion and social mobility.
Developed through a partnership between hubz and the University of Brasília, the hydro-k turbine is an innovative solution built to convert river flow into usable power. The system’s design is based on earlier research, and its feasibility and benefits have been widely recognized in academic articles and technical reports on sustainable energy alternatives.
Drawing from the combined experience of hubz and the University of Brasília, hydro-k can be deployed as standalone units or in modular arrays, making it adaptable to different energy demands. It is particularly suited for remote or off-grid locations and offers the following benefits:
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Clean, renewable electricity for isolated communities, boosting income generation and local economic development
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Sustainable use of hydrokinetic potential with minimal environmental impact
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Proven, effective technology suitable for use in standalone or hybrid energy systems
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Carbon emissions reduction through replacement of diesel generators
What has been achieved
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Short-term testing in the project’s first phase took place in Niterói (Rio de Janeiro) and on the Tietê River (São Paulo)
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The first prototype was tested downstream of a hydropower plant on the Tietê River
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The project validated the supply chain and began building a business model for industrial scaling and commercialization
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It received first place at the Latin American Utility Industry Awards
The next stage aims to transform the knowledge generated into a robust, high-performance industrial product through long-term testing and technological upgrades. With an excellent cost-benefit ratio in both installation and operation, hydro-k is positioned to become a global reference in hydrokinetic power generation, ready for market launch.
Results
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Complete success in the concept development, design, construction, installation, and testing of hydrokinetic turbines and modular configurations
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Mapping of untapped hydrokinetic potential in hydropower plants, informing optimal installation strategies for floating turbine arrays
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Energy production forecasts based on hydrological data from downstream reservoirs at two hydropower plants
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Academic and scientific contributions in conferences, journals, and seminars, along with capacity building through PhD, master's, and undergraduate programs
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International collaboration with Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) and École Nationale d’Arts et Métiers (ENSAM – Paristech)
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