PRESS RELEASE – Kildavin, Co. Carlow, 16th February 2026
Available for Immediate Circulation
A unique, first of its kind project has just been announced in the village of Kildavin on the Carlow-Wexford border. The project proposes to install an array of highly innovative, environmentally friendly, floating river turbines across a small section of the River Slaney, forming a single integrated ‘River Energy Station’. Led by Limerick-based GKinetic Energy and supported by Enterprise Ireland, the project aims to provide consistent, clean power directly to local homes and businesses.
Visual showing what the station may look like. Image credit and copyright: GKinetic Energy Ltd 2026.
Ireland has approximately 73,000 km of rivers and unlike solar and wind, river energy provides a steady, reliable power source, with peak output during winter months (September–April), when energy demand is highest. In the past number of years Ireland has seen increased storms, power outages and consistently rising energy prices. This Kildavin project could serve as a flagship example for how thousands of homes and businesses along Ireland’s riverways can utilise this predictable, clean energy, safely and sustainably, ushering in a new era of hydro power that works in harmony with the natural environment and keeps rivers free flowing.
The turbines to be used have been developed by Limerick based company ‘GKinetic Energy’ and enable users to generate clean, reliable electricity from free-flowing water sources (rivers, but also canals, estuaries and tidal streams). This will be the first deployment of an array of these units in a commercial setting however the technology has been extensively tested and studied in sites such as Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland and Limerick City on the Shannon.
The project proposes a new approach to traditional ‘hydro power’ as the unique ‘hydrokinetic’ turbines are small and compact, rotating very slowly and allowing free passage and movement of fish, debris and even small craft between them. The floating units are as easy to move as a boat and all previous tests and demonstrations have shown no negative impacts to fish or wildlife. (See company’s latest video that depicts the approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8pwgRZmzZ8)
The output capacity for each individual unit is expected to be 2-3kW so the total installed capacity of the station will be in the range of 10-21kW. It is estimated that the initial station will generate between 70,000 and 100,000kWh/yr with highest outputs through the more energy-demanding months of September through to April. The initial station will act as a cautious pilot and will be carefully monitored, consulting with local stakeholders and ensuring there are no negative impacts. A recognised aquatic biodiversity research group will be invited to independently monitor the installation.
A number of local homes and one high-demand quarry ‘Conway Concrete’ have committed to be the energy off takers for the initial pilot meaning all the energy generated will be consumed locally on-site, delivering the benefits of increased energy security, long-term cost savings and opportunities for scale directly to the local homes and businesses.
Speaking with James Conway, Owner at Conway Concrete, he said:
“For us, this project is about more than rising energy costs or unreliable power – it’s about taking responsibility for the kind of business we want to be. Like thousands of other businesses across the country, we are experiencing rising electricity bills, increased reliance on diesel generators, limitations on solar, and grid outages becoming more common. We also recognise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future for our community. These factors motivated us to explore harnessing renewable energy from the River Slaney, right on our doorstep. Enabled by GKinetic’s innovative and safe technology, the project has the potential to deliver quiet, reliable clean power directly into our operations and our community, which could prove to be a game changer”.
If the initial pilot station proves successful, there is potential to add a number of additional stations, potentially powering the wider community and some surrounding areas and businesses along the banks of the river.
The initial phase of this project is a 6 month feasibility study which began January 2026 and is being led by technology and project developer GKinetic. It has received support under Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Exploring Innovation Grant’.
Speaking with Mel Galloway, Senior Client Adviser for Climate Tech & Renewable Energy at Enterprise Ireland, she said:
“Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support GKinetic Energy through our Exploring Innovation Grant as it undertakes the feasibility phase of this innovative river energy project in Kildavin. GKinetic’s hydrokinetic technology represents a novel approach to generating clean electricity from free-flowing water sources, with a strong emphasis on environmental compatibility and local impact. This study phase will help assess the technical, environmental and commercial viability of the project, while supporting the continued development of Irish capability in renewable energy innovation.”
A key goal of the study phase is to proactively identify and engage with local stakeholders, gathering ideas, feedback and concerns so these can be worked into plans for the deployment phase.
A community engagement event will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday the 26th of February 2026 at Conway’s Bar & Restaurant, Kildavin, Co. Carlow. There will be a presentation given by GKinetic Energy providing an overview of the project and the technology and opportunity for open Q&A and discussion. All relevant, local stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
Speaking with GKinetic’s COO and Co-Founder, Roisin Mc Cormack, she said:
“Deploying our technology in a commercial setting is the ultimate proof of concept. The demand is already there—from local businesses to rural farms—and now the infrastructure is catching up. With the right support for new Irish technology, we can make on-site, reliable river energy a standard feature of the Irish landscape, adding real value to the communities that live and work along our waterways”.
GKinetic Energy brings significant experience in regulatory processes, feasibility and consultancy/assessment work for hydro potential and has previously received planning permission to deploy a number of units in a Special Area of Conservation on the River Shannon.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About GKinetic Energy: GKinetic Energy is an award-winning deep-tech energy company based in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Founded in 2014, the company is pioneering the “Distributed River Energy” market by transforming untapped, free-flowing water resources into a source of reliable, on-site power. GKinetic’s patented hydrokinetic turbines use a unique “bluff body” design that accelerates natural water flow, enabling efficient energy generation at speeds as low as 1.5 m/s without the need for dams.
About Enterprise Ireland: Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. It works in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. The ‘Exploring Innovation Grant’ specifically supports better planning of R&D and innovation projects, encouraging companies like GKinetic to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of disruptive technologies.
About the Kildavin Project: The project on the River Slaney at Kildavin, located on the Carlow-Wexford border, represents the first commercial deployment of a hydrokinetic turbine array in Ireland. The feasibility study will establish the technical, environmental, and commercial viability of providing installed capacity (10-21kW) directly to local end-users, including a commercial quarry and private homes.
