Porpoise Power: Innovating Tidal Energy with Biomimicry and Engineering Expertise

Origins: Where Expertise Meets Innovation

Porpoise Power emerged from the collaboration of experts in biomechanics, engineering, and renewable energy, united by a shared vision to address the challenges of tidal power generation.

Leading the company is John Kennedy, CEO and Co-Founder, whose career spans engineering innovation and sustainable business growth. John’s background ranges from advanced optics engineering – developing variable focal length lenses for augmented reality – to founding successful ventures in organic and fair-trade food, always prioritising ethical supply chains and climate-conscious solutions.

The inspiration behind Porpoise Power’s distinctive oscillating hydrofoil technology emerged through collaboration with Professor Adrian Thomas, CTO and Co-Founder. A Professor of Biomechanics at Oxford University, Adrian brings over 30 years of research into mammal swimming and bird flight mechanics. His pioneering work includes designing underwater drones that recharge their batteries by flapping wing-like foils against tidal currents. This biomimetic approach leverages natural physics to optimise energy capture in marine environments.

Supporting the company’s strategic growth is Hilary Sturthers, Commercial Advisor, who brings over two decades of energy industry experience from her career at Shell.

Together, this multidisciplinary team established Porpoise Power with a clear mission: to unlock tidal energy’s potential through innovative, environmentally conscious technology.

Porpoise Power was co-founded by Prof. Adrian Thomas (left), Hilary Struthers (middle), and John Kennedy (right).

The Technology: Biomimicry Meets Tidal Energy

Porpoise Power’s technology centres on oscillating hydrofoils, offering a shift from conventional tidal turbines.

Traditional tidal systems rely on rotating turbines, similar to underwater wind turbines. While successfully deployed by companies such as Orbital Marine Power and Nova Innovation, as well as at projects like Meygen, these turbines often require fast-flowing, deep sites to avoid surface wave effects and seabed turbulence.

In contrast, Porpoise Power's hydrofoils emulate the swimming motions of dolphins and porpoises, with wing-like foils oscillating in tidal currents to generate lift, converting kinetic energy into electricity. This oscillatory movement allows deployment in shallower, more turbulent waters, as well as slower-flowing areas. It expands viable site options closer to shore, reducing operations and maintenance costs, while complementing existing turbine technologies.

A Rigorous Development Roadmap

Porpoise Power follows a structured development programme with clear milestones:

• Prototype Design and Laboratory Testing: Early hydrofoil models were developed and tested in controlled environments, supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimise wing shapes and oscillation parameters.

• Pilot Site Trials: Field trials collect real-world performance data, assess environmental impacts, and validate durability, including single units and small arrays to evaluate operational resilience and scalability.

• Scaling and Commercialisation: Following successful pilot validation, Porpoise Power aims to scale deployments and secure commercial contracts, positioning the solution as a cost-effective complement to wind and solar within renewable energy portfolios.

  
  

John Kennedy summarises their approach:

“Our ambition is to move from prototype to pilot testing quickly but rigorously, demonstrating both technical viability and environmental compatibility."

Tidal energy inspired by the movement of a whale’s tail, delivering clean, reliable power.

Blackfish Engineering: From Concept to Verified Solution

Blackfish Engineering supports Porpoise Power by providing specialised engineering expertise through an agile, multidisciplinary approach:

• Concept Refinement: Advanced engineering analysis and sector knowledge ensure robustness, cost-effectiveness, and reduced O&M complexity.

• Deployment Advisory: Guidance on installation methodologies, deployment strategies, and risk management, underpinned by extensive offshore renewable experience.

  
  

This partnership demonstrates how Blackfish balances structured engineering rigour with SME flexibility, tailoring solutions to meet specific technical challenges and advancing innovation in clean energy. This approach ensures Porpoise Power’s innovation is aligned with broader offshore renewable energy deployment standards.

Environmental Stewardship at its Core

Porpoise Power’s hydrofoils offer significant environmental benefits. Unlike conventional turbines, Porpoise Power's hydrofoils produce minimal underwater noise, reducing acoustic disturbance for marine species. Additionally, the absence of rotating components lowers the risk of entanglement.

These features aid regulatory approval and build community confidence – both essential for the success of tidal energy projects.

Unlocking Tidal’s Potential in the Energy Transition

Tidal energy provides a predictable, reliable renewable resource that complements intermittent sources such as wind and solar. Porpoise Power’s hydrofoil technology represents a step change in harnessing tidal streams sustainably and cost-effectively.

As governments and investors prioritise net zero targets, such technologies will be crucial for diversifying renewable portfolios and ensuring reliable clean energy.

John Kennedy explains:

"We’re excited to demonstrate a tidal technology that respects marine life, reduces operational challenges, and delivers reliable, low-cost power. It’s about unlocking tidal energy’s untapped potential to meet future energy demands responsibly."

Conclusion: Pioneering a New Era for Tidal Energy

Porpoise Power is leading the way in tidal energy innovation, integrating biomimetic engineering, rigorous scientific research, and commercial insight to harness the potential of predictable marine power.

Their oscillating hydrofoil technology offers a simpler, quieter, and environmentally sensitive solution suitable for diverse tidal environments. The partnership with Blackfish Engineering highlights how specialised expertise can transform bold ideas into proven, scalable solutions.

Together, they demonstrate that cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for a low-carbon energy future. As global demand for clean, reliable energy intensifies, Porpoise Power provides a compelling example of how innovation and teamwork can drive meaningful change – powering coastal communities and supporting a net zero world.