**Question:**
Why are there no flat power generators like in the picture below, that work on the surface of shallow, but steadily flowing rivers ? (As a floating micropower plant.)

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kEWb4.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kEWb4.png)

The picture shows a conveyer belt with vanes/blades(?) attached to it. The water flow moves the conveyer belt. A generator could be attached to the front and back "wheel" of the belt.

[Here's](http://%5B!%5Benter%20image%20description%20here%5D%5B1%5D%5D%5B1%5D) a video of something similar. I would just build it on a larger river.

**Why would I ask this?**

There are much more flat rivers than waterfall-like structures on this planet. Using them looks like a much more non-nature-inversive, cheap solution. Having a longer surface should supply better drag by flowing water.