This could all be a thing of the past with the advent of a technology that takes advantage of the rotational power of Earth: The Kouris Centri Turbine, (or KCT for short) can operate with a minimum fall height of just 0.6m while being very efficient under low loads.

KCT takes advantage of Earth’s rotational force (Coriolis force), just like a kitchen sink, to achieve more efficient output and more importantly the ability to produce power from sites that traditional technologies could not take advantage of. With this disruptive ability, a number of additional advantages are also very appealing:

The units are constructed offsite and assembled on-site in as little as 12 hours and allow for future mobility and upgrades. In addition, the units can be installed on their own or in multiples, in series or in parallel, in-line or on the bank. KCT has already been implemented in conjunction with a fishery site and the units can also operate in greywater sites too. Units can also be installed in conjunction with existing installations to increase efficiency and can be used off-grid, on-grid or both. The units are produced in various configurations and sizes allowing tailored productivity and future modular upgrades. "KCT is extremely efficient, durable, and portable. The design offers such versatility that it’s hard to believe that many features were the result of serendipity." explains KapaLamda MD, Spyros Lyssoudis.

Having completed two sites in Australia and the first commercial installation in Greece, the technology is now mature and ready for production. The European market will be served through manufacture in Greece, with international expansion currently in the works: "The technology has evoked such strong interest from international institutions, governments and private investors that in order to cater for these markets properly we are now on the lookout for international partnerships both for distribution as well as manufacture." adds Lyssoudis.

Paul Kouris, the inventor of the technology explains: "We find that the technology is so different that experienced engineers are astounded by the physics behind it. It is a common misconception that harnessing hydro power from a vortex is inefficient. As soon as we developed a technology guide (www.KCThydropower.com) that explained and showcased the technology in action interest in the technology grew globally. Our job now is to build partnerships that will get this technology into the hands of those that need it the most"

KCT is currently produced for outputs starting at 500W up to 20kW but due to KCT’s modular nature numerous units can be combined together.