Vienga is developing an innovative low head, low-cost hydro turbine destined for off grid and mini grid markets around the world with a beachhead market identified as sub-Saharan Africa. In this region the IEA and World Bank estimate that under half the population have access to electricity: seen as a necessity for improved education and livelihoods. Our goal is to provide a renewable energy source that has a low carbon footprint, utilizes locally available materials and capabilities, and does not require damming of rivers through 'wet' siting at 'dirty' river steps or on existing weirs. The price of electricity is targeted as being slightly lower than solar with battery storage and removes the need for a diesel genset saving 40 tons of CO2 per year per device

This Innovate UK funded project is focused on developing a virtual model of the hydro turbine and its systems (a digital twin') that is tested virtually to demonstrate its capabilities without actually building a series of physical models. This is an innovative development process for an SME and when combined with the product innovations should lead to a UK developed product that can be exported globally providing affordable electricity to those who have access to none or are having to use fossil fuelled generators.