What happens when Formula 1 aerodynamics meets renewable energy?
In March 2020, we partnered with Anakata, a team of engineers from the high-speed, high-precision world of Formula 1. Their mission: apply race-proven high-end aerodynamic expertise to the wind generation market.
Working closely with Nadara’s project team, Anakata’s engineers developed a bespoke retrofit solution designed to enhance blade aerodynamics and unlock higher Annual Energy Production (AEP). This wasn’t a single adjustment, but a carefully engineered system of components tailored to integrate seamlessly with existing turbine blades – upgrading performance without replacing infrastructure.
To ensure absolute reliability, we collaborated with Nabla Wind Hub for rigorous technical due diligence. Every modification was scrutinised to confirm it would not introduce harmful loading changes, accelerate fatigue, or reduce turbine lifespan. Performance gains had to come without compromise.
5% increase in AEP
The first trial took place at Causeymire Wind Farm, where four turbines were equipped with turbine-mounted LiDAR systems for precise wind measurement and detailed power validation. The data confirmed an impressive 5% increase in AEP, an uplift that gave us the confidence to scale, rolling out the upgrade packs across all 61 turbines at Causeymire and Farr wind farms.
Today, the impact extends far beyond Scotland. More than 200 turbines across the UK and Portugal – representing over 500MW of installed capacity – now operate with Anakata upgrade packs, including the turbines at Bornes Wind Farm featured in our video above.
From racetracks to renewable energy, the principle is the same: precision engineering delivers performance.
Engineering Performance. Protecting Integrity. Scaling Impact.
Our collaboration with Anakata is built on rigorous technical validation and disciplined engineering:
- Innovative aerodynamic collaboration
We engaged Anakata for one clear reason: its ability to translate high-performance racing aerodynamics into measurable gains for wind turbines. The objective was not marginal optimisation, but a decisive step beyond conventional industry limits. - Performance improvement trials
Following the development of retrofit blade upgrade solutions, we initiated structured trials across four turbine technologies, with two additional technologies already in preparation. Each installation was validated using turbine-mounted LiDAR systems to deliver precise wind speed measurement and accurate uplift verification. - Due diligence and scaling plans
Every turbine model demands a dedicated technical assessment prior to retrofit approval. Loading conditions, fatigue impact, and operational thresholds are evaluated before any upgrade proceeds. - A culture of innovation and partnership
Progress at this scale depends on alignment at every level. Nadara actively invests in innovation, creating an environment where suppliers are encouraged to challenge assumptions and propose new solutions. Within this framework, Anakata has evolved from specialist contractor to strategic partner, continuously advancing new concepts to enhance fleet-wide performance.
The result is a repeatable model: rigorous engineering, validated performance, and scalable innovation delivering sustained gains across our renewable energy portfolio. With a diverse fleet spanning multiple technologies, we continue to expand upgrade pack development, targeting additional turbine platforms in the years ahead.