Same turbines, more energy
Seeing opportunity amidst the challenge
That 1%. Elite athletes train for it, professionals upskill for it. Improving by 1% can sound small, maybe even insignificant, but achieving it can make all the difference. At Nadara, it’s Annual Energy Production (AEP). We’re constantly looking to increase the amount of energy we can produce through our existing assets.
If we could increase our total annual energy production by just 1%, we’d produce 92GWh more energy based on our latest figures. 1% is huge, so when a trial of an aerodynamic innovation showed we could achieve a 4-6% uplift at our wind farms, we were fully invested.
Always in development
Project Anakata was one of our eight business priorities for 2025 and saw us successfully co-create, trial, and ultimately install aerodynamic upgrades on 110 of our turbines. Designed by ex-Formula One engineers, Anakata Wind Power, and installed by our Operations team, the upgrade ‘packs’ were bespoke to each blade and comprised tip boosters, serration devices, and vortex generators to improve aerodynamic performance.
Anakata’s Founder and CTO, Ben Wood, explains the process:
We started by laser-scanning the wind turbines to capture the geometry of the blades to use in our simulation software. Then, our team of engineers came out with a pack design that optimises the blade to capture more power without compromising safety or longevity. For example, the vortexing trainers help the airflow stay attached on the inner part of the blade, then lift tabs boost lift massively in that region
Necessity is the mother of invention
Any developer in the renewable energy sector knows the challenges of bringing a new site online. It takes on average four years to build a solar site, six for a wind farm and can be 10+ years for the network infrastructure you need. Add to this: lead times, the availability of land and competition for that land, and you can see the business case for innovation within your existing portfolio.
Unlocking additional renewable energy from existing assets increases value, helps to reduce risk and enables you to take greater control of your growth. The wider impact is increased energy security in the country’s where you operate, accelerated decarbonisation of energy systems and the ability to make an even greater impact in local communities.
“Our fleet spans turbines of many generations, but innovation allows us to continually unlock new potential from every asset”, says Katy Meaden, Nadara Asset Optimisation Engineer. “Delivering a 4–6% increase in AEP through aerodynamic upgrades shows how smart engineering can really transform existing infrastructure.”
What are the opportunities in your operational portfolio? Empower your people to see potential within challenges. Engage your supply chain and they’ll show you what’s possible. Lead with innovation on your energy sites and you’ll find your 1%, maybe even 4-5%.
Read more about our collaboration with Anakata here.