NovoGrid, a Dublin-based software company that optimises energy delivery, today announced that it was awarded the Technology Innovation Award for its GridBoost technology at the 2021 Wind Investment Awards.
The annual international Wind Investment Awards are a platform to celebrate best practice in the global onshore and offshore wind industry, incorporating innovation, financing, project development and asset management. The Awards, hosted by global wind industry community A Word About Wind, unite prominent decision-makers to enable opportunities to network and forge long-term business connections.
NovoGrid was the only Irish company to receive an Award at a virtual awards ceremony held recently in conjunction with the Financing Wind Europe conference.
GridBoost is a patented grid edge intelligence software technology which automates and removes inefficiencies in renewable generators and electrical grid operations and was developed by Professor Andrew Keane and his team at University College Dublin (UCD). NovoGrid, a UCD spin-out company supported by NovaUCD, was established to commercialise the technology.
Professor Andrew Keane, UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, co-founder and CTO, NovoGrid said, “We are delighted to win the Technology Innovation Award at 2021 Wind Investment Awards and I believe it is an excellent endorsement of the potential of our GridBoost technology from the global wind community. I especially welcome the judges’ comments that NovoGrid has demonstrated an impressive entrepreneurship amongst academic life and delivered our software that is technical complex with an innovative approach.”
Using GridBoost it is estimated Ireland could save 33 million kWh of renewable energy wasted annually reducing carbon emissions by 16,200 tonnes and saving the Irish consumer €2.2 million. GridBoost is already installed in a number of wind farms in the UK with NovoGrid’s installed base increasing three-fold since the end of last year.
Paul Manning, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, NovoGrid said, “Winning our first European level award alongside major market players like Deutsche Bank, Orsted and RES is a fantastic recognition of the work our team has delivered. There is an increased urgency to deliver in the renewables industry however, the ability of the grid to host renewable energy provides a significant challenge, one our technology helps to solve.”
He added, “We are heartened by recent announcements from government, the regulator and the system operators that grid investment is to be prioritised and regulations reviewed to take account of new technologies. We hope to replicate our international success at home in Ireland in the future.”
Adam Barber, Managing Director, Tamarindo Group, parent company of A Word About Wind, said, “It’s been another hotly contested year at the Wind Investment Awards. We’ve seen over 60 outstanding shortlisted candidates vying for top spots across fifteen categories. From finance, development, advisory and operations to asset management, tech innovation, legal and recruitment, we’ve witnessed an astonishing level of expertise and achievement across a broad spectrum of the industry.
He added, “It’s been a challenging 12 months for the sector, and the world at large. Which makes it feel even more appropriate to recognise and celebrate the passion, hard work and success of businesses and individuals who have been making an authentic difference within our industry. We congratulate them all and will continue to play our part in empowering people in the sector to build a cleaner and fairer world.”
Further information on all the 2021 Wind Investment Award winners is available via https://www.financingwind.com/winners
Pictured (l-r) at University College Dublin are; Paul Manning, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, NovoGrid and Professor Andrew Keane, UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, co-founder and CTO, NovoGrid. (Nick Bradshaw, Fotonic).
