Pioneering new technology will be introduced at Edinburgh Airport in a bid to generate renewable energy from the wind on its airfield.

Innovative Wind Panel prototypes are set to be installed at Scotland’s busiest airport thanks to a landmark partnership with innovative zero-carbon company Katrick Technologies.

These panels capture wind energy as low-level turbulent and gusty winds pass through them, and are smaller in size than traditional wind turbines which are not suitable for airport estates. Katrick Technologies is being supported by leading global technology and services supplier Bosch. Bosch will help to industrialise and manufacture the prototype Wind Panels.

An 18-month trial had been underway to identify areas of untapped wind energy at the airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, and the results will help determine where they are positioned.

When first introduced the prototype model will be in an area easily visible to passengers so members of the public can see the technology in action.

This comes as Edinburgh Airport continues to look at innovative and creative ways to generate sustainable energy and follows the construction of an 11-acre solar farm on its campus – generating up to 25% of its energy needs – as it continues to progress against its Greater Good sustainability strategy.

Danny Quinn, Chief Technical Officer at Edinburgh Airport, said:

“At the airport we are always exploring innovative new ideas when it comes to the generation of green energy, and we’re really excited about the potential this technology has.

“For the last 18-months we’ve been looking at how viable this solution would be for our business, and we believe it could have a significant impact as we continue on our path to net zero.

“As we make progress on our sustainability strategy it is important we work closely with other Scottish businesses, and this collaboration with Katrick Technologies shows Scotland is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to the creation of green energy.

“We look forward to working with Katrick Technologies and Bosch on implementing this technology to our airfield.”

Background

Katrick Technologies’ Wind Panels consist of numerous channelling ducts where multi-layered patented aerofoils are located. These aerofoils work independently from one other to maximise energy capture and convert this energy into mechanical oscillations. From here, the oscillations are converted to a focal point before conversion to energy.

The panels are more effective at capturing kinetic energy from ground-level winds than conventional wind turbines, while measuring just 2m x 2m and thus demanding a much smaller footprint.