Sitkana, Inc. has been awarded the Swanson Reed Patent of the Month for the Alaska state for the month of September 2026 for their patent, US Patent No. 12709853, titled “Anchoring system for a hydrokinetic generator.”

This invention is innovative because it addresses a critical technical hurdle in marine renewable energy: transmitting electricity from a floating hydrokinetic platform to the shore while accommodating changing tidal directions. Because ocean currents reverse multiple times a day, traditional anchoring methods often cause electrical cables to twist or anchor lines to tangle with suspended equipment. Sitkana’s patented system solves this by using a buoy equipped with a swivel joint, a rigid attachment arm, and an integrated slip ring. This configuration allows the generator to pivot around the buoy as the current changes direction, ensuring that power continuously flows to the onshore cable without mechanical interference. The invention won the Swanson Reed award for Alaska because it unlocks the ability to efficiently harness the state’s massive tidal energy resources. By offering a reliable and modular tidal power solution, this system can help remote Alaskan coastal communities transition away from costly diesel generators and toward a predictable, clean energy source.

The practical applications of this patent may make the associated development costs eligible for the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the USA. To qualify for this incentive, activities must meet the four-part test established by the IRS. Designing and deploying an advanced underwater anchoring system involves overcoming significant technological uncertainties. Engineers must ensure the swivel joint and slip ring can withstand the continuous stress of shifting tidal currents, resist saltwater corrosion, and maintain a safe electrical connection. The iterative process of building prototypes, testing them in harsh marine environments, and refining the mechanical load distribution requires a systematic approach to experimentation. The engineering efforts and financial resources dedicated to resolving these specific challenges represent qualifying research activities that can generate substantial tax credits for the developing company.