Although renewable energy systems are praised for their environmental friendliness, they can still have a significant impact on the landscape and biodiversity in the areas where they are installed. Nativenergy aims to do things differently, with the goal of reinventing the energy system in a way that is truly friendly to both the planet and people.

A prototype of Nativenergy’s wind turbine was installed on Pampus Island. This innovative turbine uses advanced aerodynamic principles to operate as efficiently as possible. The rotor is creatively concealed within the wind catcher, allowing the turbine to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Ultimately, the goal is for companies and commercial buildings to be able to install the turbine on their rooftops.

In collaboration with Goeie Grutten, Nativenergy tested a prototype at 40% of its final scale on Pampus Island for several weeks to examine its technical performance. The entrepreneurs aim to make the turbines fully circular.

Afterward, the prototype was moved to DGTL ADE. During both tests, the wind turbine faced unexpected challenges. “We learned a lot about optimizing for crosswinds,” said founder Kartik. “The propeller changed direction due to the wind, preventing the turbine from working at full efficiency. Design-wise, we realized it’s better to show visuals of the final product, as prototypes often look rough and that can distract people from giving useful feedback.”

The test results revealed that the standard rotor was not ideal for the turbine’s design. Since wind conditions vary at different heights, testing at greater elevations is essential for accurate data. Moving forward, Nativenergy also plans to engage in discussions with building managers to explore installation opportunities.