Former jeweller Philippe Vauthier has patented a design for an underwater turbine, the Underwater Electric Kite (UEK).

The turbine, anchored to the sea or river bed by a cable, rises and falls as it searches for the layer of water with the fastest current. Once located, marine turbines generate electricity.

Vauthier is working with a number of companies and local authorities to install systems, which are typically rated at 50-100 kW

Vauthier estimates UEK will need US$1M to put the first turbine in for testing.