The object
Thorsten Stoesser co-developed a modular hydropower system that directs water in existing canals and waterways through turbines. The distributed hardware turns otherwise bypassed flow into renewable electricity, extending generation to water infrastructure where conventional dam-based hydroelectric projects are not viable.
01
What Thorsten did
Developed, with Emily Morris, a modular hydropower system that channels existing canal water through turbines.
02
Why it matters
The EPO reports agreements giving the system access to about 19,000 kilometres of US canal infrastructure through 48 water and irrigation districts.
03
Living-status check
The EPO's dated 18 May 2026 finalist announcement names Stoesser, positive evidence he was alive in 2026.