A new and improved tidal turbine design “goes with the flow” instead of working against it.
The ocean has tremendous untapped energy, but harnessing it efficiently and safely has always proved to be challenging.
If this power can be exploited successfully, it could open new doors to sustainability for isolated island communities.
Could this innovation be the eco-friendly breakthrough the world needed to break free from fossil fuels once and for all?
How some islands are getting the short end of the clean energy stick
Global renewable capacity has surged over the past few years, with multiple regions benefiting from a surplus of clean power.
Nonetheless, many isolated communities remain highly dependent on fossil fuels despite advancements in green technologies.
The mainland has substantial space for wind farms, solar arrays, and interconnected grids. Smaller island nations, on the other hand, often do not share this sentiment.
International energy reports from 2024 and 2025 indicate that more than 10,000 inhabited islands lack utility-scale clean power capacity.
Instead, they must depend on carbon-heavy microgrids. Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) rely on fossil fuel imports that account for nearly 20% of their total GDP.
This inadvertently places them between a rock and a hard place, as they are most vulnerable to climate change’s effects.
But what could help these isolated communities gain easier access to renewable capacity?
Breaking free from the shackles of fossil fuels
Large diesel generators are the most common powerhouses on these isolated islands.
Beyond their high emissions, they also make these communities vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and volatile oil markets. In general, electricity prices are already up to three to four times higher in these remote island regions.
Offshore renewable installations are also not as fitting as most would think. For example, the installation of offshore wind turbines requires giant infrastructure and specialized transportation.
This is often deemed too expensive for small-scale local grids, or these regions lack the required resources.
Even if an island nation can afford and accommodate onshore renewable capacity, its survival remains threatened by climate change.
Unique solutions are needed to increase access to green energy for these thousands of isolated communities.
Fortunately, EEL Energy may have developed a device that could benefit from the rising ocean and tidal levels.
The tidal turbine that will do the trick
The invisible power of tidal currents is rapidly gaining traction as a clean source of electricity.
EEL Energy’s device to exploit the source took on the shape of the ocean’s most efficient travelers.
The hydrokinetic undulating membrane is a tidal generator that mimics the lateral movement of sea snakes and eels. This biomimicry ensures easy movement through the water with minimal effort.
Slithering along with the movements of the tides to produce efficient power
Tidal currents pass over the membrane’s flexible surface, triggering a wave-like motion that transmits down the device’s length.
Inside, the kinetic energy is captured by a series of internal electromagnetic converters. The energy is then converted to electricity.
The design increases energy capture, as it can harvest from currents moving as slow as 2.24 mph.
The membrane has a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer “spine” to maintain efficiency without structural fatigue.
Additionally, the technology operates silently and poses zero risk to marine life.
EEL Energy’s tidal generator is proof that renewable energy can be equally sustainable and durable.
The membrane’s tensile strength of 2,500 MPa ensures 6,000 full reversal cycles daily. The most remote and extreme island communities will benefit from clean power for years without repairs.
It offers isolated regions a green, predictable, uninterrupted source of electricity to replace diesel generators. This means the world’s most vulnerable environments could be one step closer to energy resilience.
Anke Maree is a writer with a clear and engaging editorial style. Her work focuses on making complex topics accessible, informative, and relevant for readers across different areas of interest.
