Tokyo, Japan – September 12, 2023
In a strategic move to bolster its commitment to sustainable energy and harness groundbreaking wind technology, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced its investment in TouchWind, a pioneering floating wind technology start-up.
TouchWind is at the forefront of developing a groundbreaking tilting angled one-piece rotor wind turbine. This innovative design is poised to revolutionize the wind energy sector by minimizing wind interference, a common issue in large wind farms, thus enhancing overall power generation efficiency.
One of the key advantages of TouchWind’s design is its ability to operate efficiently even in strong winds. This design feature not only reduces the weight of the wind turbine and associated floating components but also promises to improve the overall economic viability of wind turbine equipment throughout its lifecycle.
TouchWind’s journey began in 2019 when the company embarked on tests to demonstrate the principles of its groundbreaking wind turbine technology. Their endeavors were supported by grants from the Government of the Netherlands and collaborating companies. The pivotal moment came in July 2023 when TouchWind secured a grant from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, further validating its vision, enabling them to manufacture up to 10 wind turbines with a rotor diameter of 6 meters, boasting an impressive output of 12 kW.
Looking ahead, TouchWind has ambitious plans for 2024-2025, as it prepares to conduct comprehensive tests to validate the efficacy of reducing wind interference between onshore and offshore wind turbines in the Netherlands.
Ryota Hayashi, General Manager responsible for Wind Power Projects Unit at MOL, expressed enthusiasm for this strategic partnership, stating, “We are pleased to embark on this journey with TouchWind and become a significant shareholder in the company. We see tremendous potential in their technology.”
TouchWind’s Founder and CEO, Rikus van de Klippe, emphasized the progress made in their collaboration with MOL, saying, “We have been working together for over a year now on the further development of our tilting angled one-piece rotor floating wind turbine. Field testing with a 6-meter diameter rotor is in full preparation at the Oostvoorne lake in the Netherlands. With MOL as a shareholder and their investments, we can expedite our testing program to prove our technology.”
MOL’s investment in TouchWind aligns with the company’s commitment to advancing wind turbine technology and exploring opportunities within the supply chain of next-generation floating offshore wind turbines. The move not only positions MOL as a prominent player in Europe but also opens doors for expansion in Japan and other Asian regions in the future.
Commenting on their long-term vision, MOL reiterated its dedication to sustainability, saying, “In accordance with the ‘MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2,’ we set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In order to create a sustainable world, we will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions not only from our own company but also from society through the promotion of renewable energy businesses.”
MOL’s investment in TouchWind exemplifies the ever-growing collaboration between maritime and renewable energy sectors, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.