The origin story
Ever wonder how you can actually capture the raw energy of the ocean? For engineer David Mummery, it started with a literal deep dive. Over a decade ago, he spent time in a Scottish river, literally anchoring himself to the riverbed to feel the water’s turbulence. He wasn't just vibing; he was visualizing a way to harness that flow without needing the massive, multi-ton equipment that dominates most marine energy projects.
The 'IKEA' of energy
Most tidal projects are giant, utility-scale machines that require heavy cranes and specialized crews. Mummery’s invention, the Swimmer Turbine, is the total opposite. It’s a 50kw generator that fits in a shipping container. The goal? To make it so simple that fishermen and local workers can assemble it like an IKEA furniture kit and launch it from their own village slipway. Lowkey genius, right?
After working on major projects like the 'sea snake' (a 180m-long wave energy machine that sadly went bust in 2014), Mummery realized big tech wasn't always the answer for small coastal towns. He founded Flex Marine Power and eventually set up shop in old shipyards along the River Clyde to prototype his vision.
Real-world results
After a successful trial in 2015, the team proved the concept works in 2020 at Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland. They managed to pull off a full-scale installation using components shipped in a container and a team of local mariners.
It wasn't just a win for the ego—it secured nearly £1 million in government funding. More recently, he spent months testing on the island of Islay. The goal was to see if local people, without his direct oversight, could install it using their own tractors and slipways. They did, and the result was exactly what Mummery had been chasing.
Why it matters
Large-scale renewable projects often feel detached from the communities they serve. Mummery’s approach brings the power back to the people—literally. By creating a device that is compact, hidden underwater, and easy for locals to manage, he’s showing that the future of green energy might not always be about building bigger, but about building smarter. He’s heading back to Islay next year to start generating power for the island, and honestly? The vibes are immaculate.
