SRI International Receives Funding for Underwater Kite
The research firm is developing a hydrokinetic turbine designed to capture energy from river and tidal currents.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Energy
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SRI International has been awarded $4.2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to advance the Manta, a novel underwater kite electricity generator. The system is designed to provide sustainable power to remote communities by utilizing tidal and river flows.
Why it matters
The project seeks to replace diesel generator reliance in isolated regions by providing a cost-effective and renewable alternative for electricity generation. The technology focuses on delivering energy at a competitive price point to improve long-term sustainability.
The U.S. Department of Energy contract mandates the Manta system produce 1 kW of power at a cost of less than $0.09 per kilowatt-hour. The device utilizes a polymer composite-coated foam structure to mimic manta ray movements for energy collection.
The players
SRI International
This Menlo Park-based nonprofit research institute specializes in developing innovative technologies for government and commercial clients.
U.S. Department of Energy
This federal agency is responsible for advancing energy policy and funding scientific research to ensure America's energy security.
University of California Berkeley
This public research university in California collaborated on the development of the Manta hydrokinetic turbine technology.
Metlakatla Indian Community
This community located in Alaska is the identified partner for upcoming field testing of the Manta turbine technology.
The details
Developed in collaboration with the University of California Berkeley, the Manta generates power by moving an underwater kite that spins a generator connected to a boat or mooring. The process employs a rhythmic kite out and reel-in pumping action to capture kinetic energy from moving water.
Timeline
A full efficiency analysis of the system is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
The Big Picture
The development of the Manta system represents a significant shift toward modular hydrokinetic solutions under the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office programs. This project follows the pattern set by these initiatives to decentralize power production.
Successful deployment of this kite-based technology could lead to significantly cheaper electricity for remote off-grid communities currently reliant on expensive diesel fuel. The research provides a blueprint for creating scalable, low-cost renewable energy solutions for isolated regions.
The takeaway
This innovation demonstrates that small-scale tidal and river energy can provide a viable replacement for traditional diesel generators in remote locations. Implementing such systems could drastically lower energy costs while reducing the carbon footprint of isolated communities.
What happens next
SRI International is scheduled to conclude a full efficiency analysis of the Manta system by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on developments in this field, visit the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seafoodsource.
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Should remote communities prioritize replacing diesel generators with renewable hydrokinetic technology?
