The Polish start-up is poised to make a significant impact in global markets with its innovative vertical axis wind turbine installations. These systems will be able to revolutionize small-scale wind energy while also serving as a dual-purpose property fencing solution.
Effective hybrid
The innovation and efficiency of the panel lies in the placement of the turbines side by side, instead of separately. This solution is ideal for both private investors and developers, and can withstand winds of up to 150 km/h.
These flat rectangular panels can be installed in a variety of locations, including along highways, on bridge side spans, production halls, warehouses, apartment buildings, and office buildings. They can be used to enclose car parks, airports, or properties and will be most efficient when well-exposed to wind. A 10-meter fence can generate 1 kW. With estimated returns within seven years and a 50-year lifespan, this investment is expected to be lucrative.
With estimated returns within seven years and a 50-year lifespan, this investment is expected to be lucrative. The goal of the Polish start-up’s solution is to complement, rather than compete with, other renewable energy sources (RES) by adapting the panel infrastructure used in photovoltaics.
The use of systems composed of vertical axis wind turbines is also being considered for offshore wind projects, with the Swedish company SeaTwirl already signing a letter of intent with Westcon Yards to build a 1 MW offshore wind turbine in Norway.
Driving green technology
Although start-ups drive green technology, subjective synergies are necessary for full success. In the process of developing the eco sector and transitioning from a central production and distribution system with a focus on the development of the prosumer segment, a comprehensive development of the supporting infrastructure is essential.
According to Verified Market Research, the valuation of the global vertical axis wind turbine market will approach $17bn by 2030. Globally, business angels and VC funds are estimated to have invested $755bn in the CleanTech sector in 2021. As estimated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) around 10 million people currently work in the RES industry worldwide. By 2030, there could be more than twice as many, and by 2050, up to 42 million jobs will be related to renewable energy sources.
Price is the key to success
The panel is made of 80 per cent recyclable plastics. Instead of expensive neodymium, commonly available elements were used in the generators, thus reducing the cost of production. The aim is to reach a point where spending around PLN 20,000 will result in annual energy gain of approximately 10%. It is this friendlier affordability that could translate into market success for the panel. The first small-scale installations are expected to go on sale n 2023.
Looking ahead, there is a chance that the panel will achieve success similar to that of perovskites, i.e. the minerals on which light, flexible and thin photovoltaic cells are based. A breakthrough in this matter was made by Olga Malinkiewicz, known as the “sun goddess”. Saule Technologies was the first company in the world to mass produce and sell perovskite photovoltaic cells that are efficient even in artificial light.
Miłosz Magrzyk
