Sébastien Le Fouest

I am the Chief Executive at Windworks, a startup company that develops a smart vertical-axis wind turbine for on-site power generation. Our real-time blade control harnesses untapped, moderate-altitude winds to deliver stable, clean and affordable electricity. This unique approach helps mid-sized businesses and communities cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and advance Europe’s transition to a decentralised, resilient energy future. Non-household electricity users in the EU face rising electricity costs and pressure to decarbonise their activities. In Europe, the average industrial electricity price for medium-sized consumers has risen from €0.12/kWh in 2015 to €0.22/kWh in 2023, with some markets exceeding €0.25/kWh. Simultaneously, businesses must cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050 under EU climate laws. These trends highlight an urgent need for cost-effective and complementary renewable energy solutions that can be deployed on-site. Such solutions can empower businesses to stabilize energy expenses, reduce carbon footprints, and comply with regulatory demands, offering them greater autonomy and resilience in an increasingly unpredictable energy landscape. Windworks is developing a 100kW vertical-axis wind turbine with real-time blade pitch control to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective on-site power. Our proprietary technology integrates sensors on each turbine blade to monitor wind conditions and adjust blade orientation dynamically, ensuring optimal performance. This innovation reduces mechanical stress, enhancing durability and extending turbine lifespan—addressing key shortcomings of conventional vertical-axis designs. Specifically designed for industrial and peri-urban settings, our turbines operate quietly, require minimal space, and adhere to strict permitting requirements. They offer a dependable renewable energy source that complements solar photovoltaics by maintaining consistent output during winter and nighttime.