Patent Surge Signals Storage Revolution
Global innovation in long-duration energy storage (LDES) for wind power applications has reached unprecedented levels, with patent filings skyrocketing 104% between 2019 and 2022 according to the latest Inside Green Innovation: Progress Report from intellectual property firm Appleyard Lees. This dramatic acceleration—from 224 to 457 filings—substantially outpaces the 47% growth recorded during the previous five-year period and now exceeds the plateau in wind turbine technology patents.
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Storage Innovation Outpacing Turbine Development
The data reveals a significant shift in renewable energy investment priorities. While wind turbine technology shows signs of market maturity, energy storage solutions are experiencing explosive growth. Paul Beynon, UK & European Patent Attorney at Appleyard Lees, notes that this represents a new phase of innovation focused on deploying, scaling and integrating storage solutions for wind power generation into existing power infrastructure.
This trend aligns with wind energy’s expanding role in global power generation, accounting for over 25% of electricity produced from renewable sources in 2024. The increased patent activity reflects the urgent need to address wind power’s inherent intermittency through advanced storage technologies that can store surplus energy and provide more predictable power delivery., according to technology insights
Monopile Technology Gains Momentum
Parallel innovation is occurring in offshore wind foundation systems, with monopile technology showing particularly strong growth. Patent filings for these critical structural components—the most common method for securing offshore wind turbines to the seabed—have climbed steadily throughout the 2020s, reaching a record 42 filings in 2023 compared to just 26 in 2020.
This acceleration responds to practical engineering challenges as wind turbines grow larger and heavier, requiring more robust foundation systems. Current monopile development focuses on two key areas: enhancing installation safety and reducing underwater noise pollution that can disrupt marine ecosystems.
Global Innovation Landscape
The geographical distribution of LDES patent activity reveals interesting patterns in national energy strategies:, according to industry analysis
- United States: Leading in LDES innovation despite wind power constituting only about 10% of national electricity generation
- Europe: Maintaining second position with steadily increasing filings, likely driven by progressive renewable energy policies
- China: Entering the LDES field later, suggesting a strategic pivot beyond traditional pumped hydro storage
- India: Showing recent growth in 2024, supporting ambitious targets of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030
Environmental Considerations Drive Foundation Innovation
In monopile technology, the Netherlands has emerged as a clear leader, particularly in developing installation methods that minimize environmental impact. Dutch offshore company CAPE Holland has pioneered vibration-free installation technology that allows monopiles to sink using gravity alone, eliminating the underwater noise pollution typically associated with conventional installation methods., as earlier coverage
The Storage Imperative
As Jordan Tinkler, European Patent Attorney at Appleyard Lees, observes: “While general wind-related patent filings continue to plateau—indicating more mature technologies and saturated markets—LDES is emerging as a cornerstone technology for achieving a renewable-centric power grid.”
With global wind power capacity expanding rapidly, the demand for long-duration storage solutions to manage supply intermittency and ensure grid reliability will only intensify. The current patent surge suggests that both established energy players and emerging innovators recognize this critical need, positioning energy storage as the next frontier in the renewable energy revolution.
The question remains which nation will ultimately dominate this crucial technological domain, but the race is clearly underway with multiple contenders advancing their storage capabilities in parallel with wind power expansion.
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