Wind Energy Storage Innovation Surges as Patent Filings for LDES Technologies Double

Wind Energy Storage Patent Boom Signals Innovation Shift

Innovation in energy storage for wind power generation has reached record levels, according to the latest patent data analyzed by intellectual property firm Appleyard Lees. The findings, revealed in the fifth annual “Inside Green Innovation: Progress Report,” indicate a dramatic shift toward solving wind energy’s integration challenges through advanced storage solutions.

Wind Energy Storage Patent Boom Signals Innovation Shift
Long-Duration Energy Storage Takes Center Stage
Offshore Wind Foundations See Parallel Innovation
Global Innovation Race Intensifies
Storage Emerges as Renewable Grid Cornerstone

Long-Duration Energy Storage Takes Center Stage

Patent filings worldwide for long-duration energy storage (LDES) in wind energy applications increased by 104% between 2019 and 2022, sources indicate, jumping from 224 to 457 filings. This growth substantially outpaces the 47% increase seen in the previous five-year period and now exceeds the plateau in patents for wind turbine technology itself.

Paul Beynon, UK & European Patent Attorney at Appleyard Lees, stated in the report: “This suggests a new phase of innovation and investment focused on deploying, scaling and integrating storage solutions for wind power generation into power grids.”

Analysts suggest this surge reflects the growing recognition that storage technology is crucial for managing wind power’s intermittent nature. LDES systems store surplus wind energy and provide more predictable power supply, reducing the risk of partial power loss and decreasing reliance on fossil fuel backup systems.

Offshore Wind Foundations See Parallel Innovation

Meanwhile, patent data shows accelerated innovation activity for monopiles—the most common method for securing offshore wind turbines to the seabed. Filings for monopile technology have followed a generally upward trajectory throughout the 2020s, according to reports, rising from 26 filings in 2020 to a record 42 in 2023.

This innovation wave responds to the increasing size and weight of modern wind turbines, which require larger and stronger foundations. The report states that development efforts are concentrating on enhancing installation safety and reducing underwater noise pollution that can disrupt marine ecosystems.

Global Innovation Race Intensifies

The United States is leading global LDES innovation and associated patent filings, according to the analysis, despite wind power accounting for only approximately 10% of the country’s power generation. Europe follows in second position, demonstrating a steady upward trend in patent activity likely driven by supportive renewable energy policies.

China’s later entry into LDES innovation suggests a strategic pivot toward energy storage solutions beyond traditional pumped hydro, analysts suggest. More recent data from 2024 indicates increasing patent activity from India, supporting the country’s ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation by 2030.

In monopile innovation, the Netherlands has taken a leading position, with companies developing technologies that simplify installation while minimizing environmental impact. Offshore company CAPE Holland, for example, has created a tool that enables monopiles to sink using gravity, thereby avoiding excessive underwater noise pollution.

Storage Emerges as Renewable Grid Cornerstone

Jordan Tinkler, European Patent Attorney at Appleyard Lees, commented in the report: “As general wind-related patent filings continue to plateau—pointing to more mature technologies and saturated markets—LDES is emerging as a cornerstone technology to achieve a renewable-centric power grid.”

The analysis suggests that with global wind power capacity continuing to expand, demand for long-duration storage will increase substantially to manage power supply intermittency and ensure grid reliability. The trajectory of LDES innovation appears firmly upward, though which country will ultimately dominate this critical technology sector remains an open question.

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