Power from the tides: Reinier Rijke’s vertical axis turbine prepares for action in Vlissingen

Earlier this Spring, EWA member Water2Energy (W2E) took a major step forward in realising one of the promising tidal energy innovations emerging from the Netherlands. At the KAAP innovation hub in Vlissingen, Bluespring's Lina Laar and Jeltje van der Meulen were on hand to assist with the assembly of W2E’s vertical axis water turbine, an invention by former shipbuilder Reinier Rijke.

Smarter Blades for Better Performance

This isn’t the first time the turbine has been installed in Vlissingen, but the version being prepared now is equipped with a key new feature: passively pitchable blades. These blades are designed to adjust themselves automatically to the flow of water, using the relative flow velocity to shift into the most effective angle of attack.

This passive pitch mechanism allows the turbine to:

• Maximise lift and thrust forces as the water flows past

• Improve efficiency by adjusting to varying flow speeds without the need for active control systems

Step-by-step assembly & installation

At the KAAP, the rotor blades were attached to the central shaft, and a crane was used to position the rotor into the frame and align it with the generator. This required precise coordination to ensure proper connection to the flexible coupling, which helps absorb mechanical stress caused by varying flow conditions. The installation is part of the Offshore For Sure project, which supports innovative offshore renewable energy technologies in the Flanders-Netherlands region.

Where and when

The turbine is currently being reinstalled (Spring 2025) in a discharge channel in the harbour of Vlissingen, where it will begin producing test data under real-world conditions. This location offers controlled but representative tidal flows—ideal for validating performance and further refining the technology.

See It for Yourself – June 4, 2025

As part of the Community of Practice (CoP) North Sea Meeting, participants will have the opportunity to visit the site and see the turbine in operation. It’s a great chance to learn more about how this technology works and what it could mean for local energy production from water.

📅 CoP North Sea Meeting – 4 June 2025, Vlissingen📝 Sign up here!

Water2Energy’s work shows how small-scale innovations can help move the needle on sustainable energy, with practical solutions developed and tested close to home.