PRESS RELEASE – GKinetic Energy Secures New U.S. Patent for Advanced HydroKinetic Turbine Blade Pitch Control Technology

Limerick, Ireland – 07.01.2026 – GKinetic Energy, the Irish energy technology company developing next-generation hydrokinetic solutions, today announced the successful granting of a new United States patent covering a novel blade pitch control arrangement for its unique range of water turbines. The company’s products  generate energy from free-flowing water sources, such as rivers, canals and estuaries, unlocking secure and consistent energy supply on-site. 

The patent, titled “Blade Pitch Control Arrangement”, protects a hybrid blade pitch control system designed specifically for vertical-axis tidal turbines. The invention enables active, passive, and free-trailing blade control within a single turbine rotation, significantly improving efficiency, reducing structural loads, and enhancing reliability in high-energy hydrokinetic (flowing water) environments.

This innovation represents a major advancement in hydrokinetic turbine design, addressing long-standing challenges around environmental compatibility, safety and maximising power from flow conditions normally found in rivers and tidal flows; issues that have historically constrained the commercial deployment of these types of solutions. 

The patented system allows turbine blades to be actively controlled where maximum energy capture is possible, while passively or freely aligning with the flow in other parts of the cycle to minimise drag and mechanical stress. This approach enables turbines to operate at lower rotational speeds with a higher number of blades, supporting increased power output and improved durability in slower, more average flow speeds, thus unlocking a mass market globally.

The patent lists Vincent McCormack (CEO) and Gary Brennan (CTO) as inventors and has been granted to GKinetic Energy Limited, headquartered in County Limerick, Ireland. 

The development of this intellectual property was supported by Enterprise Ireland’s IP Plus Programme, which provides funding and strategic support to Irish companies developing high-value, globally competitive technologies.

Vincent McCormack, Founder and CEO of GKinetic Energy, said:

“Securing this patent is a significant milestone for GKinetic and a strong validation of the engineering approach behind our hydrokinetic technology. Blade pitch control is fundamental to performance and survivability in hydrokinetic energy, and this invention underpins our ability to deliver efficient, robust and scalable turbines for commercial deployment. We are very grateful to Enterprise Ireland for their support through the IP Plus programme.”

Joe Doyle, Intellectual Property Manager at Enterprise Ireland, added:

“GKinetic’s newly granted patent demonstrates the depth of innovation coming from Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Protecting core intellectual property such as this is critical for scaling internationally and attracting global partners. Enterprise Ireland is pleased to have supported GKinetic through the IP Plus programme as they continue to commercialise world-leading hydrokinetic energy technology.”

The granting of this patent further strengthens GKinetic’s growing intellectual property portfolio and supports the company’s ongoing transition from technology development into commercial project delivery, both in Ireland and internationally.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
GKinetic Energy
Website: https://www.gkinetic.com/
Email: info@gkinetic.com

Notes to Editors

• About GKinetic Energy
  GKinetic Energy is an Irish renewable energy company offering innovative hydrokinetic solutions designed to deliver reliable, predictable energy from free-flowing water sources, mainly rivers but also including canals, estuaries and tidal streams. The company’s unique technology combines advanced turbine design with proprietary flow-accelerating structures to maximise energy capture and reduce cost of energy.
• About Enterprise Ireland IP Plus
  The IP Plus Programme supports Irish companies in developing, protecting, and leveraging strategic intellectual property to scale internationally and build long-term competitive advantage.