Wicetec, a Finnish company, has created an innovative de-icing system that aims to solve the issues faced by wind turbines in freezing conditions. The system employs a carbon fiber layer to heat the turbine blades, which can be controlled via a specialized computer program that also forecasts icy conditions. According to CEO Petteri Antikainen, the system costs about 2% of the total price of a wind turbine and has a return on investment timeframe of 1 to 2 years.

The necessity for such a system has been underscored recently by the dramatic spikes in electricity prices in Finland, particularly reported during January and February. Experts indicated that one of the contributing factors to these price spikes was the freezing of wind turbine blades, which can severely impact their efficiency. In response to similar issues, North America has already mandated that all new wind turbines be equipped with de-icing systems, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for technological solutions to maintain energy reliability.

Antikainen and Wicetec emphasize that the problems faced by wind turbines due to icing are analogous to those experienced by aircraft wings when ice builds up, as both scenarios detrimentally affect aerodynamics. Their innovation not only presents a tangible solution to a pressing energy crisis but also positions Finland at the forefront of clean energy technology, potentially setting a precedent for similar implementations across Europe and beyond.