Invitation to Research Collaboration: HYPOT Project for EC and USA

About the Italian Project EC Call: H2020-LC-GD-2020-1 Proposal number: 101037766

HYPOT (Hydro Power Tower) is an innovative research initiative aimed at developing a new generation of environmentally friendly technologies and autonomous energy systems for structures such as underwater data centers in the  the Strait of Messina near Sicily

Project explores the use of kinetic and potential energy from marine and river currents to create sustainable energy solutions.

Research Opportunities

We invite researchers, academic institutions, and industry partners to join our multidisciplinary team in the following areas:

• Hydrodynamic modeling and simulation

• Material science for underwater applications

• Energy conversion technologies

• Environmental impact assessment

• System integration and optimization

• Marine engineering solutions

Benefits of Participation

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities

• Opportunity to work with international experts

• Contribution to groundbreaking renewable energy technology

• Publication opportunities in reputable scientific journals

• Potential for follow-up funding opportunities

Required Expertise

We are seeking specialists with expertise in:

• Ocean engineering

• Renewable energy systems

• Composite materials

• Environmental sciences

• Mechanical engineering

• Electrical engineering

Collaboration Formats

• Joint research projects

• Exchange of scientific personnel

• Co-authorship of publications

• Technology transfer partnerships

• Joint patent applications

Expected Contributions

Prospective partners are expected to contribute:

• Research expertise in their field

• Access to specialized equipment

• Knowledge of local marine conditions

• Industry connections

• Additional funding sources

Application Process

Interested parties should submit:

• Research proposal outlining their contribution

• CV of key personnel

• Description of available resources

• Timeline for proposed activities

• Budget plan (if applicable)

Contact Information

For further information and application submission, please contact:

Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

Timeline

• Application deadline: [to be specified]

• Review period: 4-6 weeks

• Project start: upon agreement

We look forward to welcoming new partners to our dynamic research team and creating innovative solutions for sustainable energy production. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of renewable energy technologies.

Analysis of the HYPOT Project (Proposal Evaluation Form Call: H2020-LC-GD-2020-1 Proposal number: 101037766 Proposal acronym: HYPOT Duration (months): 48 Proposal title: Ocean Renewable Energy Sources - Hydro Power Tower Activity: LC-GD-2-1-2020-IA)*.

Feasibility Study of 1 GW HYPOT Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Strait of Messina near Sicily

HYPOT Technology Overview

The HYPOT (Hydro Power Tower) technology utilizes the hydraulic shock principle and the Bernoulli effect to convert moving water energy. This technology allows harnessing both kinetic energy of horizontal flow and potential energy of hydraulic shock generated during abrupt flow deceleration in the collector.

Key advantages of HYPOT:

• No need for dam construction, reducing ecosystem impact

• Scalability through tower height increase and collector parameter adjustments

• Equipment protection due to underwater placement

Characteristics of the Strait of Messina

The Strait of Messina is characterized by:

• Complex currents: flow speeds reaching 10 km/h, changing direction 4 times daily. During syzygy periods, speeds can reach 5 knots

• Deep waters: depth varies from 72 meters at the narrowest point to over 1,220 meters in deep depressions

• Seismic activity: region is prone to earthquakes up to 7.1 on the Richter scale, located near Mount Etna

• Active shipping: over 13,000 cargo ships pass through annually

Technical Challenges

1. Hydraulic Conditions:

• Need to account for variable and strong currents affecting stability

• Development of a system capable of efficiently utilizing energy from changing flows

2. Depth and Pressure:

• Construction at significant depths complicates installation and maintenance

• Requirement for materials resistant to high pressure and corrosion

3. Seismic Activity and Geological Processes:

• Impact of slow lithospheric plate movement (0.5-0.8 mm/year) on long-term stability

• Earthquake damage risks requiring enhanced safety measures

4. Shipping Navigation:

• Power plant must not obstruct vessel movement

• Possible need for special navigation solutions

Environmental Considerations

• Biodiversity Impact: construction may disrupt the ecosystem where migratory birds nest and various fish species live

• Noise and Vibration Pollution: operation may affect marine animals sensitive to sound vibrations

• Hydrodynamic Changes: need to assess impact on currents and water mass distribution

Comparison with Other Regional Projects

Bridge construction projects across the Strait of Messina face similar challenges: complex hydrology, seismic activity, environmental risks, and high costs. These projects have been repeatedly suspended due to technical, financial, and political reasons.

Implementation Prospects

Successful realization of the HYPOT hydroelectric power plant requires:

• Detailed studies of hydro-geological and environmental conditions

• Design development considering variable currents, depth, and seismic activity

• Economic feasibility assessment including construction and operational costs

• Public consultations and consideration of environmentalists’ and local communities’ opinions

Currently, there are no publicly available data on specific HYPOT projects in the Strait of Messina, indicating a lack of active development in this direction.

Conclusion: Construction of a HYPOT hydroelectric power plant in the Strait of Messina is technically feasible but requires addressing numerous engineering, environmental, and economic challenges. Successful implementation depends on thorough design, consideration of local conditions, and public approval.

Overall Project Assessment:
The project received a general rating of 6.5 out of 10, indicating significant shortcomings in the proposed concept.

Key Characteristics of the Project

Project Participants:

• Leading Organizations: University of Palermo (Italy), RWTH Aachen (Germany), regional organizations of Sicily

• Total Budget: €16.8 million

• Requested Funding: €13.9 million

• Duration: 48 months

Key Advantages of the Project

• Innovation Potential:

  • Development of a new technology for vertical turbines

  • Use of composite materials based on natural components

  • Integration with hydrogen energy

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

  • Minimal impact on the landscape (underwater placement)

  • Potential to supply ports with energy

• Practical Applications:

  • Possible use in river and marine environments

  • Potential to create an autonomous energy system

Main Disadvantages of the Project

Technical Risks:

• Insufficiently developed methodology

• Unrealistically high performance indicators

• Uncertainty regarding the location of marine testing

Organizational Issues:

• Poorly developed work plan

• Lack of clear criteria for transition to the implementation phase

• Insufficient coordination between participants

Economic Aspects:

• Insufficiently substantiated economic efficiency

• Lack of detailed operational cost calculations

Conclusion

The project represents an interesting attempt to develop a new technology for generating energy from marine and river currents. However, the current concept requires significant improvements in the following areas:

• More detailed technical development

• Clarification of economic indicators

• Improved coordination between project participants

• Clear definition of implementation stages

Despite the identified shortcomings, the project has potential for development if the identified weaknesses are addressed and the technical and economic aspects are more thoroughly worked out. The direction of integration with hydrogen energy and the possibility of application in port areas are particularly promising.

Application of Recommendations to the HYPOT Project

Key Areas for Project Improvement:

1. Methodological Development:

• Detailed description of offshore demonstration site testing methodology required

• Clear efficiency criteria for the system must be defined

• Additional calculations for maximum achievable power output needed

• Specific location for marine testing should be clearly identified

2. Economic Component:

• Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis required

• Detailed cost estimates for key components:

  • Vertical turbine axis system

  • Electrical generator equipment

  • Power converters and transformers

  • Power supply cables

• Analysis of LCoE (Levelized Cost of Energy) reduction potential

3. Organizational Aspects:

• Clear work plan with defined project stages

• Critical path inclusion in Gantt chart

• Establishment of key project milestones

• Clear go/no-go decision points definition

4. Work Plan Implementation:

• Detailed documentation of:

  • Demonstration unit installation procedures

  • Operational management protocols

  • Performance monitoring systems

  • Regulatory compliance assessment

• Improved coordination between work packages

• Revised timeline for intermediate results

5. Environmental Monitoring:

• Enhanced marine impact assessment

• Ecosystem impact evaluation

• Risk mitigation strategy development

6. Project Management:

• Clear role definition for all participants

• Effective coordination mechanisms

• Risk management system implementation

• Innovative management practices adoption

7. Commercialization Strategy:

• Market entry plan development

• Identification of target customer segments

• Technology promotion strategy

• Intellectual property protection measures

Expected Outcomes After Improvements:

• Increased project rating

• Enhanced funding prospects

• Reduced project risks

• Improved inter-team coordination

• Strengthened economic обоснования

Implementation Recommendations:

• Formation of dedicated methodology development team

• Assignment of responsibility for each improvement area

• Establishment of clear deadlines for revisions

• Regular progress monitoring meetings

• Preparation of updated project documentation incorporating all improvements

Special Attention Areas:

• Integration of hydrogen energy systems

• Port infrastructure compatibility

• Environmental impact mitigation

• Technological scalability assessment

Comprehensive Power Calculation of HYPOT Hydroelectric Power Plant

Initial Parameters

• Installation depth: 1000 meters

• Neck radius: 30 meters

• Neck area: 2827 m²

• Neck elevation: -600 meters

• Inlet flow velocity: 3-5 m/s

Power Calculation Methodology

The total power output is calculated using the following formula:

P=21​ρAvres3​⋅Kshock​⋅Khyd​⋅Kturb​

Where:

• ρ=1025 kg/m3 — seawater density

• A=2827 m2 — neck area

• vres​ — resultant velocity including swirling effect

• Kshock​=26.5 — water hammer pressure increase coefficient

• Khyd​=0.85 — hydraulic losses coefficient

• Kturb​=0.9 — turbine efficiency coefficient

Detailed Power Estimation

At 5 m/s inlet velocity:

• Resultant velocity: 8.754 m/s (including swirling effect)

• Water flow: Q=2827⋅8.754=24780 m3/s

• Raw power: 1180 MW

• Adjusted power: 2230 MW (after applying coefficients)

At 8 m/s inlet velocity:

• Resultant velocity: 12 m/s

• Water flow: Q=2827⋅12=33924 m3/s

• Raw power: 3850 MW

• Adjusted power: 7230 MW

Key Performance Factors

1. Water Hammer Effect:

• Pressure increase factor: 26.5x

• Additional velocity gain

• Enhanced system efficiency

2. Tower Geometry:

• Hyperbolic shape minimizes losses

• Optimized flow guidance system

• Efficient energy conversion

3. System Efficiency:

• Overall plant efficiency: 76.5%

• Friction losses: 15%

• Turbine losses: 10%

• Shock wave losses: 5%

Maximum Output Potential

The plant can achieve peak power output of approximately 7.2 GW under optimal conditions.

Operational Constraints

• Seasonal variations: affecting current speed

• Tidal influences: impacting flow consistency

• Structural limitations: material strength

• Environmental factors: ecosystem impact

Practical Considerations

For achieving design power output, the following factors must be considered:

• Precise flow modeling

• Optimal tower neck design

• Shock wave parameter optimization

• Environmental impact assessment

• Structural stability under extreme loads

Conclusion

The HYPOT hydroelectric power plant demonstrates significant power generation potential, capable of reaching multi-gigawatt levels. The combination of water hammer effect, optimized geometry, and efficient energy conversion mechanisms makes this technology a promising solution for marine energy harvesting.

Research Program for HYPOT Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Gulf Stream

Research Objectives

• Development of a large-scale HYPOT system for the Florida Strait

• Assessment of technical and economic feasibility

• Evaluation of environmental impact

• Optimization of energy production capacity

Key Research Areas

1. Hydrodynamic Studies

• Current modeling:

  • Detailed analysis of Gulf Stream flow patterns

  • Seasonal variations assessment

  • Turbulence and eddy formation study

  • Impact on turbine performance evaluation

• Structural analysis:

  • Deep-sea foundation design

  • Turbine blade optimization

  • Material stress analysis

  • Corrosion resistance testing

2. Technological Development

• System design:

  • Turbine array configuration

  • Power transmission systems

  • Remote monitoring technologies

  • Maintenance access solutions

• Safety systems:

  • Storm protection mechanisms

  • Marine life protection

  • Emergency shutdown protocols

  • Data transmission redundancy

3. Environmental Monitoring

• Ecosystem impact:

  • Marine life migration patterns

  • Sedimentation effects

  • Water quality changes

  • Biodiversity assessment

• Climate interaction:

  • Ocean temperature effects

  • Current flow alterations

  • Weather pattern influence

  • Long-term climate impact

4. Economic Analysis

• Cost evaluation:

  • Construction expenses

  • Operational costs

  • Maintenance budgets

  • Lifecycle analysis

• Financial modeling:

  • Energy production forecasts

  • Revenue projections

  • Investment return analysis

  • Risk assessment

Recommended Research Institutions

US Universities:

• MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) — ocean engineering and renewable energy

• University of Miami — marine sciences and oceanography

• Florida Atlantic University — coastal and ocean engineering

• Duke University — environmental sciences

• Stanford University — renewable energy technologies

International Partners:

• University of Palermo — HPT technology expertise

• RWTH Aachen — engineering and materials science

• University of Southampton — oceanographic research

• University of Oxford — environmental impact assessment

• ETH Zurich — renewable energy systems

Research Timeline

1. Preliminary Phase (12 months)

• Feasibility study

• Environmental impact assessment

• Technology adaptation

• Permitting process

2. Development Phase (24 months)

• Prototype design

• Material testing

• Simulation modeling

• Small-scale testing

3. Implementation Phase (32 months)

• Full-scale prototype construction

• Installation

• Initial testing

• Data collection

Expected Outcomes

• Optimized turbine design for Gulf Stream conditions

• Detailed environmental impact assessment

• Economic viability analysis

• Operational safety protocols

• Scalability recommendations

• Data for future expansion planning

Risk Management

• Technical risks:

  • Turbine performance variability

  • Material durability

  • Power transmission reliability

• Environmental risks:

  • Ecosystem disruption

  • Marine life impact

  • Climate interaction effects

• Economic risks:

  • Cost overruns

  • Energy production variability

  • Market acceptance

  Assessment of High-Power HYPOT Hydroelectric Station in the Gulf Stream

  Technical Feasibility Analysis

  Power Generation Potential:

  • Theoretical capacity of several GW is achievable given the strong currents of the Gulf Stream

  • Key factors affecting power output:

    • Current velocity (2-3 m/s in the Florida Strait)

    • Depth of turbine placement

    • Number of turbines in array

    • Efficiency of HYPOT technology

  Technological Challenges

  System Design Considerations:

  • Turbine array optimization for maximum energy extraction

  • Material durability against corrosion and marine biofouling

  • Power transmission systems for deep-sea conditions

  • Maintenance access solutions for underwater installations

  Environmental Impact Assessment

  Critical Factors:

  • Marine ecosystem preservation requirements

  • Fish migration pathways protection

  • Sedimentation effects monitoring

  • Water quality preservation

  Economic Viability

  Cost Components:

  • Capital expenditures for:

    • Turbine manufacturing

    • Deep-sea foundations

    • Power transmission infrastructure

    • Protective structures

  • Operational costs including:

    • Maintenance

    • Monitoring systems

    • Emergency response

  Compliance with EU Regulations

  Regulatory Requirements:

  • Environmental impact assessment according to EU directives

  • Marine spatial planning regulations

  • Safety standards for offshore installations

  • Data reporting requirements

  Risk Analysis

  Major Risks:

  • Technical risks:

    • Turbine performance variability

    • Material durability in harsh conditions

    • Power transmission reliability

  • Environmental risks:

    • Ecosystem disruption

    • Marine life impact

    • Climate interaction effects

  • Economic risks:

    • Cost overruns

    • Energy production variability

    • Market acceptance

  Conclusion and Recommendations

  Feasibility Summary:

  • Achieving several GW capacity is technically possible but requires:

    • Advanced turbine design optimization

    • Robust materials development

    • Efficient power transmission solutions

    • Comprehensive environmental management

  Recommendations:

  • Conduct detailed hydrodynamic modeling of the specific site

  • Develop prototype testing program

  • Establish monitoring systems for environmental impact

  • Secure funding for long-term research and development

  • Ensure compliance with all EU regulations throughout development

  Implementation Stages:

  1. Preliminary Research phase

  2. Prototype Development and testing

  3. Pilot Project implementation

  4. Full-scale Deployment

  The project has significant potential but requires substantial research and development to overcome technical, environmental, and economic challenges. Successful implementation would represent a major breakthrough in renewable energy production.

Revised Research Program for HYPOT Project

Enhanced Methodology Section

Marine Spatial Planning:

• Detailed site assessment including:

  • Hydrographic surveys

  • Environmental impact analysis

  • Stakeholder consultation plan

• Demonstration site selection criteria:

  • Current velocity measurements

  • Depth profiles

  • Marine life assessment

  • Infrastructure proximity

Economic Analysis Expansion

Cost Breakdown:

• Component-level costing for:

  • Vertical axis turbines

  • Electrical generators

  • Power converters

  • Transformers

  • Power umbilicals

• LCoE (Levelized Cost of Energy) analysis including:

  • Capital expenditures

  • Operational costs

  • Maintenance budgets

  • Lifecycle assessment

Work Plan Improvements

Structured Implementation:

• Critical Path Development:

  • Installation timeline

  • Testing phases

  • Monitoring periods

• Milestone Definition:

  • Clear go/no-go decision points

  • Interdependencies between work packages

  • Timed deliverables

Risk Management Additions

Technical Risks:

• Material durability testing under marine conditions

• Turbine performance validation in various current speeds

• Power transmission reliability assessment

Environmental Risks:

• Marine life protection measures

• Ecosystem impact monitoring plan

• Sedimentation analysis protocols

Stakeholder Engagement

Expanded Collaboration:

• Industrial partners involvement in:

  • Prototype development

  • Testing procedures

  • Commercialization strategies

• Regulatory bodies consultation for:

  • Permitting processes

  • Compliance standards

  • Policy implications

Research Deliverables

Scientific Outputs:

• Technical reports on:

  • Turbine performance

  • Energy production

  • Environmental impact

• Data management plan including:

  • Research data storage

  • Sharing protocols

  • Intellectual property management

Communication Strategy

Target Audience:

• Public authorities and policymakers

• Industrial stakeholders in renewable energy

• Scientific community for knowledge sharing

• Energy sector professionals

Dissemination Plan

Knowledge Sharing:

• Scientific publications roadmap

• Conference presentations schedule

• Public outreach activities

• Project documentation dissemination strategy

Monitoring & Evaluation

Performance Indicators:

• Technical KPIs:

  • Energy production efficiency

  • Turbine durability

  • Maintenance frequency

• Environmental KPIs:

  • Ecosystem impact metrics

  • Marine life protection effectiveness

  • Water quality parameters

Budget Allocation Review

Resource Optimization:

• Personnel allocation review

• Equipment procurement planning

• Testing facilities budgeting

• Logistics management costs

By incorporating these additions, the research program will address the identified weaknesses and enhance the credibility of the HYPOT project, bringing it closer to meeting the required excellence, impact, and implementation quality standards.

Research Program Abstract: Global HYPOT (Hydro Power Tower) Initiative

Background and Relevance

Global energy challenge requires innovative solutions in the field of renewable energy sources. The HYPOT project proposes a revolutionary approach to harnessing kinetic and potential energy from marine and river currents to create environmentally friendly energy systems.

Research Objectives

Key directions of the research program include:

• Development of new generations of environmentally friendly technologies

• Creation of autonomous energy systems

• Optimization of kinetic energy utilization from currents

• Integration with hydrogen energy technologies

Methodology and Approaches

Research framework is based on:

• Multidisciplinary scientific studies

• Modeling of marine and river currents

• Development of composite materials

• Prototype testing

• Environmental monitoring

Expected Outcomes

Key achievements of the program:

• Development of an efficient system for converting current energy

• Creation of innovative materials for underwater infrastructure

• Optimization of hydroelectric power plant operations

• Minimization of environmental impact

• Development of scalable solutions for various water areas

Invitation to Collaboration

We invite leading scientific centers and research groups to participate:

• Universities with expertise in marine engineering

• Oceanographic research institutions

• Renewable energy centers

• Energy technology development companies

• Environmental research organizations

Benefits of Participation

Program participants will receive:

• Access to advanced research data

• Opportunities for international collaboration

• Funding for перспективные developments

• Participation in shaping new energy standards

• Priority access to research results

Target Audience

The program is aimed at:

• Leading scientists in the energy sector

• Marine technology researchers

• Specialists in renewable energy sources

• Developers of innovative materials

• Representatives of the energy sector

Timeline and Format

Program implementation includes:

• Multi-stage research

• Regular scientific conferences

• Knowledge sharing between participants

• Publication of scientific works

• Practical testing of developments

We invite interested researchers to join the global HYPOT program to shape the future of marine energy. Together we can create innovative solutions for sustainable energy production.

For more information and participation conditions, please contact the program coordinators.

Current European Energy Research Funding Opportunities

Horizon Europe Program

Horizon Europe is the current EU framework program for research and innovation, replacing Horizon 2020. Key features:

• Focus areas:

  • Clean energy technologies

  • Renewable energy sources

  • Energy efficiency

  • Smart grids

  • Hydrogen technologies

• Support mechanisms:

  • Research grants

  • Innovation projects

  • International partnerships

  • Pilot projects

Renewable Energy Funding Mechanisms

RENEWFM (Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism):

• Supports renewable energy projects through:

  • Investment grants

  • Operational support

• Covers all renewable energy technologies approved under EU regulations

• Organizes competitive tendering processes

Key EU Energy Initiatives

European Green Deal:

• Promotes transition to climate-neutral economy

• Supports innovative energy solutions

• Includes funding for:

  • Offshore wind

  • Solar energy

  • Energy storage

  • Hydrogen production

RED III Directive

Renewable Energy Directive:

• Sets target of 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030

• Supports:

  • Small-scale energy projects

  • Sustainable bioenergy

  • Energy system integration

  • Consumer participation

How to Access Funding

Application process:

• Check eligibility criteria

• Prepare detailed project proposal

• Submit application through:

  • for Horizon Europe

  • National contact points

  • Specialized EU agencies

Important Resources

Official EU portals:

• European Commission research funding page

• CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency)

• National contact points in EU member states

Eligibility Requirements

Key criteria:

• Legal entity registered in EU or associated country

• Technical and financial capacity

• Research experience

• Project relevance to EU priorities

Recent Funding Opportunities

2024 calls:

• Offshore wind energy projects

• Solar energy innovations

• Energy storage technologies

• Hydrogen production and distribution

• Smart grid solutions

For detailed information on specific calls and application procedures, it is recommended to regularly check the official EU funding portals and contact national contact points for personalized advice.

Active Grants in Renewable Energy Sector: USA, Canada, Australia

United States of America

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs:

• ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) — supports high-risk, high-reward energy research projects

• Water Power Technologies Office — provides grants for hydroelectric innovation

• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) — funds various renewable energy projects

Current initiatives:

• Water Power Program — grants for hydropower and marine energy technologies

• Energy Storage Grand Challenge — funding for energy storage solutions

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) — research grants and partnerships

Australia

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) programs:

• Large-Scale Solar Program — funding for solar projects

• Hydrogen Program — grants for hydrogen production technologies

• Energy Storage Program — support for energy storage solutions

State-Level Programs:

• Victorian Renewable Energy Target — grants for renewable energy projects

• South Australian Renewable Energy Fund — support for local renewable projects

• New South Wales Renewable Energy Program — funding for various renewable technologies

How to Apply

General Requirements:

• Eligibility check — verify if your organization meets the criteria

• Detailed proposal — prepare comprehensive project description

• Budget plan — develop a clear financial plan

• Timeline — define project milestones and deadlines

Key Resources

Official Websites:

• USA:

  • DOE Grants Portal

  • ARPA-E website

  • NREL information center

• Australia:

  • ARENA website

  • Clean Energy Finance Corporation

  • State government websites

Important Notes

• Deadlines — pay attention to application deadlines

• Matching funds — some programs require co-funding

• Reporting requirements — be prepared for regular progress reports

• Evaluation criteria — understand how applications are assessed

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the respective agencies and contact program administrators directly.

Stanford University has significant potential to demonstrate to the world ways to manage the energy transition, including research in the field of marine energy, such as HYPOT technology.

The University is already demonstrating leadership in the development of sustainable energy solutions and can play a key role in scaling up innovations, including kinetic hydroelectric power plants.

Stanford's current achievements in energy

1. Stanford Energy Systems Innovations (SESI):

   • The SESI project transformed the campus' energy system, reducing emissions by 81% from peak levels and saving 18% of drinking water in its first year of operation. 

   • The system uses electricity instead of natural gas for heating and cooling, actively introducing renewable energy sources.

   • SESI technologies are scalable and can be used both in large cities and in individual homes. 

2. Research in the field of marine energy:

   • In 2017, Stanford scientists developed a concept for the construction of wind farms in the ocean, potentially capable of providing electricity to the whole world. 

   • The researchers are also working on a "blue energy" technology that uses a salinity gradient when mixing freshwater and seawater. The developed "entropy mixing battery" (MEB) has achieved 74% energy conversion efficiency. 

3. Educational programs:

   • Stanford's engineering programs include specialized courses in ocean engineering, which trains specialists to work in the marine energy industry. 

   • The Precourt Institute for Energy brings together experts for research in the field of sustainable, safe, and affordable energy, spanning science, technology, politics, and economics. 

How Stanford can contribute to the development of HYPOT technology

HYPOT (Hydro Power Tower) is an underwater hydroelectric power plant project that uses the kinetic energy of currents and the potential energy of a water hammer. To promote this technology, Stanford can:

1. Conduct additional research:

   • Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to optimize the HYPOT design, as is done in similar projects. 

   • To study the impact of technology on the marine ecosystem and develop measures to minimize risks.

2. Develop scalable solutions:

   • Adapt HYPOT to different marine conditions, including different depths and current speeds.

   • Explore the possibilities of integrating HYPOT with other marine energy technologies (for example, wind farms).

3. Train qualified personnel:

   • Include courses on the design and operation of kinetic hydroelectric power plants in educational programs.

   • To organize internships and joint projects with companies working in the marine energy sector.

4. Promote commercialization:

   • To attract investments through partnerships with venture funds and energy companies.

   • Participate in international initiatives for the development of marine energy, such as EU or UN projects.

Necessary prerogatives

Successful implementation of these tasks will require:

• Funding: grants from public and private foundations for research and development of prototypes.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: bringing together experts in the fields of engineering, ecology, economics and politics.

• Technological infrastructure: access to modern laboratories and marine research platforms.

• Political support: lobbying for legislative initiatives that promote the development of marine energy.

• International cooperation: participation in global projects and standardization of technologies to simplify implementation.

Conclusion

Stanford University has the potential to become a leader in demonstrating ways of energy transition, including marine energy. His experience in developing sustainable solutions, strong educational programs, and research capabilities create the foundation for advancing technologies like HYPOT. The key success factors will be funding, an interdisciplinary approach, and international collaboration.