Porpoise Power Emerges from Stealth with £1.2M Pre‑Seed to Scale Tidal Stream Innovation

Porpoise Power, a University of Oxford spin‑out pioneering bio‑inspired tidal stream technology, today announced the close of a £1.2 million (nearly €1.39 million) pre‑seed funding round. The financing was led by Zero Carbon Capital’s deeptech climate fund, with additional backing from Creator Fund and Oxford Science Enterprises.

Steady, Predictable Power from the Tides
As global electricity demand is forecast to double by 2050, the need for reliable renewable sources has never been greater. While wind and solar generation are growing rapidly, they often require costly storage and grid‑support solutions. Porpoise Power’s oscillating hydrofoil system—modeled on dolphin locomotion—delivers continuous, baseload electricity by harnessing predictable tidal cycles. Unlike traditional turbines, its up‑and‑down “fin” operates effectively across a broader range of flow speeds and depths, unlocking new deployment sites and boosting capacity.

Scalable, Cost‑Competitive Renewable Energy
Porpoise Power’s technology promises levelized costs of electricity comparable to offshore wind and output consistency akin to nuclear power. Company projections show that just four 30 km × 30 km arrays could satisfy the UK’s entire baseload demand. Designed to minimise ecological impact, the system can be installed in sensitive marine environments without harming local wildlife.

Fueling Next‑Phase Development and Trials
“We’re delighted to partner with Porpoise Power as they advance their technology toward real‑world trials,” said a spokesperson from Zero Carbon Capital. The funding will support detailed LCOE modeling at scale, pilot installations at UK tidal test sites, and the build‑out of a new R&D facility. In their next financing round, Porpoise aims to install hundreds of kilowatts of grid‑connected tidal capacity under the UK’s Contract for Difference scheme, demonstrating commercial readiness.

Expert Founders Driving a Climate‑Focused Vision
Porpoise Power’s leadership combines deep engineering know‑how with proven business acumen. CEO John Kennedy brings experience from Green & Black’s, Wayfair, and Adlens, while co‑founder Professor Adrian Thomas (University of Oxford) contributes expertise in unsteady fluid dynamics and bio‑inspired design. The team also includes former Shell executive Hilary Struthers and marine systems engineer Martin Hall, ensuring a balanced focus on technical innovation and market strategy.

A New Chapter for Tidal Energy
With this seed round secured, Porpoise Power is poised to transform tidal stream energy from a niche demonstration to a cornerstone of the zero‑carbon grid. “We are proud to back a team dedicated to making reliable, affordable tidal power a mainstream reality,” added the Zero Carbon Capital representative.