Renewables are constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovative strategies emerging on a regular basis. Wind is the most dynamic industry, and today we're exploring two startups that are driving the transformation.
Icewind, "squat" turbine the size of a fridge
There is an Icelandic startup, Icewind, who developed a micro wind turbine that looks like an open, curved cylinder that spins inside a metal frame. This is not an energy giant. Far from it. It is a system that is the size of a domestic fridge.
Icewind has already raised 4 million euros in funding, and with just three employees it is already working at full speed. His wind farm uses high-torque generators, which means they spin rather slowly, yet still generate 600 watts in winds of 10 meters per second. It's not much, but combining several turbines could fully power a cell phone antenna.
Wind power for telecommunications
There are approximately one million telecommunications towers worldwide located in locations with little or no power grid connections. In these areas, telecommunications towers are powered by diesel generators, but the industry is constantly looking for cleaner alternatives. And this is where Icewind's wind energy enters the scene: the plants will be on the market within this year at around 8.000 euros each.
Modvion, giant wooden wind farms
Large wind turbines are reaching gigantic proportions: the tallest now reaches almost 300 meters in height where the three blades meet.
This circumstance multiplies the problems: the construction and transport of these huge structures becomes increasingly difficult due to their size and weight. Traditional materials require special reinforcements for larger turbines. "The weight of the structure itself becomes an issue," he says Otto Lundman, co-founder and CEO of modvion.
His startup has developed a way to build turbine towers using the most classic of materials: wood. Specifically, veneer laminated wood. Lundman describes it as a kind of "large-scale plywood." These layers of wood glued together are strong while being relatively light, allowing the construction of a wind farm about 30% lighter than traditional versions.
Wood turbines: sustainable wind power
Modvion's approach is to build modular towers in the form of circular sections, which can be easily shipped and then stacked on top of each other on site. A bit like the old game of "Towers of Hanoi". The startup has 34 employees and has raised SEK 210 million (€18,8 million) in funds to date.
Plus: Wood is a CO-trapping material2, and could thus help mitigate climate change. Minus: without careful management, standardizing the production of this "wooden" wind farm can undermine the biodiversity of the forests.
Will it be true glory?
Ultimately, both Icewind and Modvion are rewriting the rules of wind energy. Whether the future is blowing wind turbines as small as a refrigerator or as tall as skyscrapers, the transformation of wind is in full swing.
