Ground-level wind has not failed due to a lack of energy. It has failed because the physics of wind near the ground are fundamentally different from the assumptions underlying conventional wind energy design.

Near the ground, wind is turbulent, intermittent, highly directional, and dominated by short-duration gusts rather than steady flow. Most historical approaches analysed wind using averaged meteorological data and designed systems assuming smooth, predictable inflow. This misrepresents the true energy available at ground-level and leads to designs that are optimised for the wrong wind conditions.

In reality, the failure has been systemic. Ground-level wind requires three elements to be solved together: understanding how wind at this level actually behaves, capturing turbulent energy effectively, and converting chaotic mechanical input into stable electrical output. Previous efforts typically addressed only one of these in isolation, which is why ground-level wind has remained commercially unviable despite abundant energy.

Katrick’s technology is novel because it is built around a completely holistic understanding of ground-level winds rather than a single component innovation.

For any ground-level wind device to be commercially viable, three fundamental elements must be solved together. Firstly, ground-level wind mapping and software are used to understand where energy actually exists, how it fluctuates, and where systems should and should not be placed. Secondly, turbulence-specific aerodynamics use multiple ducts and independently oscillating aerofoils to capture energy from chaotic, fast-changing winds. Thirdly, a decoupled hydraulic powertrain converts the irregular wind energy inputs into stable, usable electrical output. Katrick's Wind Panel is designed to integrate these three elements into one system.

Capture begins with placement. Katrick uses wind mapping and software to identify viable sites, predict energy stability, and define optimal orientation. Ground-level wind is highly localised, so understanding this resource is a prerequisite for reliable performance.

Once optimally installed, the Wind Panel uses a multi-duct aerodynamic structure that channels and stabilises incoming turbulent winds. Each duct houses independently operating aerofoils that quickly respond (in less than 1 second!) to gusts, allowing energy to be captured in multiple small pockets rather than relying on a single large swept area. This makes the system tolerant to rapid changes in speed and direction.

The captured and converted mechanical energy is smoothed out via our hydraulic powertrain to convert chaotic input into controlled output. This conversion is critical. Without it, even effective aerodynamic capture cannot deliver commercially usable electricity at ground level.

Through wind mapping and site-specific analysis, Katrick has demonstrated that sites with mean average wind speeds above 4 m/s consistently experience high-energy gust events. These gusts contain the majority of the usable energy, yet they are largely invisible when using averaged meteorological data.

Katrick’s analysis shows that this turbulent energy is widespread and geographically scalable. Using global wind heat mapping combined with on-site validation, Katrick can demonstrate that ground-level wind is viable across up to 80% of the global land mass.

Importantly, ground-level wind behaves differently from solar. It is often strongest in winter months and available day and night, making it highly complementary. When combined with solar, ground-level wind can significantly improve annual energy coverage and seasonal balance, particularly in the northern hemisphere

Yes, but like all transformative energy technologies, commercialisation follows a learning curve.

We are not looking to replace conventional wind turbines and existing solar infrastructures. Instead, we are looking to complement them with the utilisation of turbulent ground-level wind energy. Our 1kW Wind Panel will deliver a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of just 12p/kWh.

Our first round of prototype testing was completed in November 2023. We are now planning a new round of testing and installation for 2026, with an anticipated release into the market from 2028 onwards.

No, we are an IP based business and will licence and supply design services for our technology out to manufacturers. This allows for us to focus on high value relationships and gives us the ability to launch simultaneous deployments across sectors and geographies.