An apparatus for generating electricity from a flowing stream of water is disclosed. A rigid frame is fixed with a pair of wheels, or with two linkages in circuit around two pairs of wheels. A plurality of blades are fixed between the wheel or linkages at their side edges, a cross-sectional area of each blade being substantially comparable to the cross-sectional area of the stream of water. An orientating mechanism is adapted to maintain the orientation of each blade such that rotation of the wheels or linkages results in an opposite rotation of each blade to maintain the orientation of the blade. As such, each blade “stabs” orthogonally into and out of the flow of water edge first, minimizing the displacement and disruption of the water upon entering. Each wheel or linkage, when mechanically coupled with a generator, results in the production of electricity.