wind

Revolutionising wind energy: why we’ve invested in Vind AI

September 11, 2024
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The European energy landscape is set for a major shift, with wind power expected to contribute 50% of total energy output by 2050. 

Achieving this is critical for our planet, as it directly supports the push for net-zero carbon emissions. But while wind energy holds so much potential, we’ve seen that the current industry practices haven’t fully embraced the advanced technologies available. That’s why we’re excited about Vind AI–a game-changing solution that’s set to revolutionise how wind projects are developed.

The problem

Traditional tools used to plan and design wind projects are, frankly, outdated. They don’t give developers the insights they need to maximize their designs, leading to inefficiencies in both cost and energy output. 

Considering wind turbines stay in place for over 25 years, even small mistakes in placement or suboptimal designs can have long-lasting impacts. These inefficiencies are slowing down the progress we need to hit crucial energy targets, such as the European Commission's goal of reaching 50% wind energy by 2050. We need something optimised, digitised and of the moment – and that’s where Vind AI comes in.

The solution

Vind AI, an Oslo-based deep tech start-up, is transforming the wind energy sector with a powerful AI platform for early-stage wind park development. The platform allows users to simulate every aspect of wind project design–from turbine placement to grid connection–before construction begins, ensuring projects are optimised for maximum energy production at the lowest cost.

The platform integrates real-time data, such as wind patterns, terrain and geographical constraints, giving designers a comprehensive view of potential design choices. Its ability to test numerous configurations allows users to select the layout that best balances environmental impact with economic viability.

Momentum with leading customers

The Vind team is already making strides in the industry, working with major players like TotalEnergies and Corio Generation. Neil Koronka, technical authority at Corio Generation, highlighted how Vind AI enhances their ability to pressure test multiple scenarios for site optimisation efficiently, stating, "Vind AI’s platform provides the enhanced speed and flexibility that we need to efficiently evaluate high volumes of scenarios when optimising our sites, as well as appraising new opportunities."

This isn’t just about making wind project development easier—it’s about changing the way decisions are made in the industry. By integrating data and technology, Vind AI is helping developers make smarter, more sustainable choices.

Vind AI's rockstar founding team: Hilde Kristin Njøten (CFO/COO), Helene Margrethe Bøhler (CEO) and Jan-Tore Horn (CTO).

Why we’re backing in Vind AI

Visionary team: Helene Margrethe Bøhler, Jan-Tore Horn, and Hilde Kristin Njøten—Vind AI’s co-founders—are an exceptional founding team. After working together at AI real estate software startup Spacemaker AI (now Autodesk Forma), they matched their shared skills in building SaaS with Jan-Tore’s PhD expertise in offshore wind energy to create a company with a huge potential impact. 

Proven technology: Vind AI’s platform is used in some of the most complex wind projects worldwide, resulting in significant cost savings and increased energy production. Its combination of economic and environmental benefits makes it attractive to developers.

Huge ambition: As CEO/co-Founder Helene Bøhler puts it: “As the wind industry gears up for immense growth, our ambition is to lead this transformation by becoming the industry standard for both offshore and onshore wind projects.”

Looking ahead

Given the complexity of the green transition and the urgency required, Vind AI’s platform has never been more essential. As our partner Alexander Danielsson puts it: “Reaching goals for energy from wind can only be achieved by making the design and implementation of wind projects both streamlined and well-budgeted, and this is exactly what Vind AI is doing. We look forward to working with and supporting the team on their journey!”

Co-Founders Jan-Tore Horn and Hilde Kristin Njøten hard at work with some wind project modelling.

Vind AI’s goal is clear: to become the go-to platform for wind project design and management, from layout planning to long-term operations. By empowering developers to make smarter decisions, they are well-positioned to influence wind energy's global application and momentum.

Curious to learn more? Visit their website: https://vind.ai/

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