What’s moving underwater in the Wadden Sea?

A unique tidal energy innovation is quietly making waves in the Wadden Sea. Developed by Dutch company SeaQurrent, the TidalKite has evolved over the past decade into one of the most promising marine energy solutions in Europe—harvesting energy from predictable tidal currents using an underwater kite.

Founded by Youri Wentzel, now CTO, SeaQurrent has grown from a bold idea into a robust demonstration project with strong backing from public and private partners. It also benefits from the close involvement of Dutch academic institutions, including the University of Groningen and its Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), led by associate professor Eize Stamhuis.

The TidalKite is designed to move cross-current in underwater trajectories, using the resistance of tidal flows to generate significant tensile forces, which are then converted into electricity. The system operates beneath the surface, making it environmentally friendly and invisible in the landscape—an increasingly important feature for energy projects in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Wadden Sea.

A Decade of Dutch R&D

Since 2015, the University of Groningen has supported SeaQurrent in improving the hydrodynamic design and energy yield of the kite, using advanced facilities including wind tunnels, flow tanks, and high-performance computing simulations. Students and PhD candidates have also been involved in this long-term R&D partnership, strengthening the Dutch knowledge base in tidal energy.

According to Stamhuis, the TidalKite has now entered its final development phase, with the focus shifting from concept validation to performance optimisation. The most recent demonstration took place in the Borndiep tidal channel, between Ameland and Terschelling, where environmental impact assessments were carried out in close consultation with regional authorities and nature protection agencies.

Enrique E. Hernández Montoya of the Biomimetics group demonstrates how laser particles are used in combination with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques to visualise and analyse water flow patterns around the kite.

To further improve the performance of the TidalKite, researchers at the University of Groningen are conducting advanced flow tank experiments. In this video, PhD candidate Enrique E. Hernández Montoya of the Biomimetics group demonstrates how laser particles are used in combination with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) techniques to visualise and analyse water flow patterns around the kite. By using four integrated sensors to measure the forces generated, the team is able to identify ways to reduce drag and optimise lift, directly contributing to the system’s overall efficiency.

Towards Commercial Viability

SeaQurrent’s innovation has attracted notable support from Dutch and European investors, including EIT InnoEnergy, Invest-NL, PMH Investments, FOM, NOM, and funding from the Waddenfonds and the European Just Transition Fund. The goal is clear: to develop a scalable, cost-effective system that can deliver predictable, baseload renewable energy to coastal regions—starting with the Wadden Sea Islands, which could eventually meet 50% of their electricity demand using tidal power alone.

As a Dutch EWA member, SeaQurrent exemplifies how the Netherlands is shaping the future of marine energy through deep collaboration between startups, universities, and regional governments. The predictability and ecological performance of tidal energy offer a valuable addition to the renewable energy mix—not just in the Netherlands, but globally.

What’s next? SeaQurrent is now refining the final details of the TidalKite's performance and preparing for scaling. With increasing attention from the international marine energy community, this Dutch-born innovation may soon find its way into tidal hotspots across Europe and beyond.

Stay connected

For more information about SeaQurrent, please visit their website and follow them on LinkedIn.