Next-generation wind power: Transforming the turbines of the future

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 18, 2022

Insight summary

As the world leans more towards wind power, newer, larger, and more efficient turbines are being developed, reshaping the landscape of renewable energy. This evolution is driving a surge in investment, job creation, and technological advancements, particularly in energy storage and sustainable building designs. The widespread adoption of wind power is poised to significantly influence global energy policies, consumer practices, and environmental strategies, marking a pivotal shift in how we approach energy generation and consumption.

Next-generation wind power context

Continued advancements within the wind energy sector favor the construction of larger wind turbines, as they can harvest significantly more electricity than their smaller predecessors. Accordingly, competing plans are being publicized regularly by firms aiming to build ever-larger turbines. For example, GE’s offshore Haliade-X wind turbine will stand at 853 feet tall and offer 45 percent more energy than other offshore wind turbines. In Norway, an offshore wind catching system can reach up to a thousand feet but deploys multiple smaller turbines in a staggered formation to make assembly and maintenance processes free of heavy equipment.

Conversely, novel bladeless turbines, such as those produced by Vortex Bladeless, seek to minimize the cost, maintenance, and environmental impact of wind power turbines. Kite Power Systems in the United Kingdom have also sought to use kites to harness wind energy. A separate development involves vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), which use more efficient engines than traditional horizontal wind turbines. VAWTs are also more compact to arrange and enhance each other’s performance when arranged in a grid. 
 
In South Korea, Odin Energy has published the concept of a silent, 12-floor wind tower, with each floor having a VAWT, enabling much greater power generation per unit area than a conventional wind turbine. The upper towers can access higher wind speeds and thus deliver up to four times the average electricity production of a ground-mounted turbine. Moreover, the towers can be integrated into existing buildings. 

Disruptive impact  

The anticipated rise in global electricity demand, fueled by the expansion of electricity-dependent technologies like electric vehicles and ships, positions the wind power industry as a crucial player in the energy sector. As these technologies become more prevalent, regions with the capacity for cost-effective wind facility installations will likely see a surge in the adoption of wind power. This trend aligns with the growing global emphasis on transitioning away from carbon-based fuels, further bolstering the wind power industry's relevance. Consequently, this shift may lead to innovations in wind power technologies, as the need for efficient, large-scale energy solutions becomes more pressing.

Investor interest in the wind power industry is poised to grow in response to its promising future. This influx of capital from investors and venture capitalists is expected to drive job creation and open new commercial avenues across the wind energy value chain. The sector's expansion not only benefits those directly involved in wind power but also stimulates growth in related industries, such as battery technology firms. These companies are increasingly vital in the renewable energy ecosystem, given their role in storing excess wind-generated electricity for times when production is low or demand is high.

The integration of wind power into the broader energy mix could mean more employment opportunities and access to cleaner energy sources. For companies, particularly in the energy and technology sectors, it represents a potential area for diversification and investment. Governments may need to consider policies and incentives to encourage the development of wind power infrastructure, addressing both environmental concerns and the rising demand for electricity. 

Implications of next-generation wind turbines

Wider implications of a shift towards next-generation wind turbine installations may include:

• Localized energy grids emerging due to a shift from centralized traditional energy systems, enhancing community resilience and energy independence.
• Buildings increasingly designed to generate their own power with integrated wind turbines, leading to a rise in self-sufficient, energy-producing architecture.
• Building codes evolving to encourage or require the inclusion of renewable energy sources like wind turbines, fostering a more sustainable construction industry.
• Expanded deployment of wind turbines in areas with previously unsuitable wind speeds, broadening the geographical reach of wind energy.
• Decreased public resistance to wind turbine installations as newer, less intrusive models become available, easing the path for community-level renewable energy projects.
• Governments incentivizing the development of quieter, less visually imposing wind turbines, leading to greater public acceptance and smoother policy implementation.
• Enhanced focus on battery storage technology to complement intermittent wind power, driving advancements in energy storage solutions.
• Job creation in both the construction and maintenance of new wind power facilities, contributing to economic growth and workforce diversification.
• Greater emphasis on renewable energy education and training programs, preparing the workforce for a future dominated by sustainable energy technologies.

Questions to consider

• Do you believe that wind power will become the dominant form of renewable energy? Or do you believe it will see a larger share of a macro mix of renewable energy sources?
• Between systems with massive rotor diameter sizes and bladeless systems, which category of wind turbines do you expect to dominate the future?