Newcastle’s Kinewell Energy translates its software to Japanese and Korean with Innovate UK funding, supporting Asia-Pacific expansion.
- Kinewell’s optimisation software aids global offshore wind projects in achieving cost and time efficiency.
- Recent launches in Japan and South Korea highlight the software’s role in regional renewable energy goals.
- Dr Andrew Jenkins emphasises growing demand for Kinewell’s services across Asia-Pacific markets.
- Support from UK initiatives enables Kinewell to tap into lucrative opportunities in the offshore wind sector.
Kinewell Energy, based in Newcastle, has embarked on a significant expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. This move is facilitated by the translation of its suite of optimisation software into Japanese and Korean, a step made possible through funding from Innovate UK.
Kinewell’s software solutions, particularly designed for the offshore wind industry, are gaining traction worldwide. Their tools have streamlined the process of developing offshore wind farms by significantly reducing time and costs. The software has attracted the attention of major renewable energy producers globally, supporting efforts to achieve a Net Zero future.
The Asia-Pacific market has become a focal point for Kinewell’s expansion. The company marked a year since launching its Wake-Optimisation Turbine Arrangement (KWOTA) at the Global Offshore Wind Summit in Fukuoka, Japan. The region’s renewable energy ambitions are vast, with Japan aiming to reach over 5.7 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Similarly, in South Korea, Kinewell played a key role in the early stages of the 600 MW Wando-Guemil offshore wind project. The company assisted in determining offshore substation locations and optimising inter-array cable layout, showcasing their indispensable input in such large-scale projects.
Dr Andrew Jenkins, CEO of Kinewell Energy, has acknowledged the company’s efforts in Japan and South Korea, having collaborated with multiple firms to deploy their software tools. He notes a particular success with a client in Japan renewing its subscription to Kinewell’s optimisation services, indicative of the growing demand in these markets.
The recent language translations are intended to facilitate easier access for clients in these markets. Dr Jenkins expressed gratitude towards Innovate UK for their support, which has enabled such strategic advancements.
Furthermore, collaborations with consulting firms such as Xodus, which has utilised Kinewell’s solutions for floating offshore wind farms, underline the growing need for such technological expertise in the region. Peter Syrda from Xodus underscores the software’s ability to swiftly perform optimisation calculations that maximise field performance throughout its lifespan.
Kinewell’s advancement is supported by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living: User-focused design competition, which emphasises ease of use in software design. The project’s collaboration with the Design Council aims to enhance user experience and adaptability for clients.
Looking forward, Kinewell Energy is actively engaging with clients across Asia, emphasised by upcoming visits to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea to present their solutions and attend the APAC Wind Energy Summit.
Kinewell Energy’s strategic initiatives and translation efforts facilitate its growth in the Asia-Pacific offshore wind market, supported by UK-backed funding.