Wind energy production, we know, has several basic problems: among them, the fact that overly large rotating blades spoil the harmony of the landscape and put birds at risk. For this reason, there are many solutions being studied around the world (we always try to follow as many as we can). Now, a French startup has found an original solution with a vertical wind turbine called Quinoa.
Quinoa has a compact and innovative design, which promises to generate clean energy without compromising biodiversity. Let's take a look together: are you up for it?
A new era for wind energy
Wind energy in Europe is experiencing an extraordinary 2024, with exponential growth that has brought production from 5 TWh in January up to almost 30 TWh expected for December. This impressive trend marked a historic moment in the first half of the year, when wind power, together with photovoltaic, has surpassed fossil fuels in European electricity generation for the first time, reaching 30% of the overall electricity mix.
Installed capacity reached 221 GW, of which 201 GW onshore and 20 GW offshore, with the addition of 6,4 GW of new wind farms in the first six months of the year. In September, several countries recorded significant increases compared to the previous year:
- Italy: +275%
- Germany: +60%
- Portugal: +50%
- Spain: +29%
- France: +24%
The future prospects are equally promising: the European Union has set an ambitious goal, aiming for wind to account for 43% of electricity consumption by 2030. Industry experts predict that Europe will reach 112 GW of offshore capacity by 2030 and exceed 520 GW of total installations by 2040, consolidating its role as a leader in the global energy transition. However, behind these impressive numbers lie critical issues that we cannot ignore: the visual impact on the landscape, the constant noise and, above all, the risks to biodiversity.
The Vertical Wind Turbine That Changes the Rules
Collaborative Energy has developed an innovative solution that tackles these problems head-on. The Quinoa vertical wind turbine represents a radical rethink of wind technology. The heart of the system consists of three 6-meter-high composite blades that rotate around a vertical axis.
The dimensions have been optimized to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact: the rotor has a diameter of only 3,5 meters and the total height stops at 12 meters. I am particularly struck by how this design eliminate the need to use Rare lands, making the entire production cycle more sustainable.
Vertical wind turbine, interesting performance
Despite its small size, Quinoa demonstrates remarkable production capabilities. Each unit, with a nominal power of 10 kW, can generate between 5 and 52 MWh per year depending on wind conditions. Efficiency increases exponentially in multiple installations: a park of 100 turbines, strategically arranged in quincunx or lattice formation, can reach an annual production between 5.876 and 6.760 MWh with winds of 14 m/s. The versatility of the system also allows for integration with photovoltaic panels and the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis.
The company is now entering a crucial phase with the planning of the first industrial prototypes. A first pilot project is already planned in Côtes-d'Armor, where this innovative technology will demonstrate in the field its potential to transform the energy sector.
The future is a mix
Wind is making great strides across Europe, and innovations like Quinoa demonstrate how the sector is in turmoil. But the real strength of the energy transition lies in the diversification of sources: no single technology can meet our energy needs. Solar, wind, hydroelectric and other renewable sources are composing an increasingly rich and resilient energy mix, which is growing year after year.
A bit like this vertical wind turbine: it looks up, towards a more sustainable future, but keeps its feet firmly planted in the concreteness of the solutions already available. The path is mapped out: the future of energy will be increasingly cleaner, more diversified and, pardon the pun… vertical.
