Abstract This paper sets out to explore and promote the use of a hydrokinetic microturbine module designed to obtain energy from water streams. It is made up of a hydrokinetic rotor, a permanent magnet generator, power electronic stages and a microcontroller to regulate power production. It is further complemented by a control strategy focused on maximizing the electrical power produced when varying different water velocities. This method is based on three operating zones defined by the electrical frequency produced by the generator, and where different values of direct current set points are defined. It is set in motion in a boost converter power stage, using a maximum current control, with constant off time in the power switch, and continuous or discontinuous mode of operation depending on the current value required. The control strategy has been validated though the use of dynamic simulations. The microturbine modules are suitable for alignment in rows to increase the power produced. The modules connected in smart grids define the hydrokinetic smart grid concept. A global control strategy for hydrokinetic smart grids has also been proposed and tested.