Rome, Italy – Italian startup GEVI has successfully closed a €2.7 million seed funding round to accelerate the production and commercialization of its innovative AI-powered vertical micro wind turbines, which feature rare self-adjusting blades. The funding, equivalent to approximately $3.1 million USD, will enable GEVI to transition its advanced technology from prototype to industrial-scale production and expand into key European markets.
The seed round was led by prominent venture capital firms 360 Capital and CDP Venture Capital, with additional participation from NextSTEP One. This significant investment underscores a growing confidence in GEVI’s unique approach to micro-wind energy, which promises to enhance efficiency and reliability in diverse environments.
The Innovation Behind GEVI’s Self-Adjusting Blades
GEVI’s distinguishing feature lies in its smart vertical-axis wind turbines equipped with AI-driven blade control. This proprietary system allows the turbine blades to adapt to changing wind conditions in real-time, making adjustments every hundredth of a second. By continuously analyzing live data such as wind direction, speed, turbulence, and aerodynamic interactions, the AI system optimizes energy capture and minimizes mechanical stress.
This intelligent design offers substantial performance improvements. GEVI reports that its turbines can achieve up to 60% higher annual energy yields compared to leading conventional vertical-axis wind turbines. Furthermore, the active blade control system significantly enhances reliability and safety, reducing loads on the turbine by up to 80% during strong winds.
Addressing Limitations of Traditional Wind Energy
Conventional wind turbines often face challenges in urban, industrial, and rural settings where wind conditions can be unpredictable or less consistent, and space is a premium. GEVI’s modular, distributed, and low-noise micro wind turbines are designed to overcome these limitations.
With a compact form factor—a rotor height of 3 meters (9.8 feet) and a diameter of 5.4 meters (17.7 feet)—the turbines are suitable for applications such as rooftops, industrial facilities, and local microgrids. They are engineered to operate effectively at low wind speeds, starting from just 2.5 meters per second (8.2 feet per second), and deliver a nominal power output of 3 to 5 kilowatts (kW). Additionally, their low operational noise, under 38 decibels from 10 meters away, makes them suitable for residential areas.
Funding to Drive Industrialization and Market Expansion
The €2.7 million in seed funding is earmarked for crucial steps in GEVI’s development. According to Emanuele Luzzati, founder, CEO, and Head of Engineering, the investment will facilitate the industrialization of the product, including initiating serial production of the turbines. A portion of the funds will also be dedicated to further refining the AI control system and developing new turbine versions to suit diverse environments.
The company’s immediate plans include scaling production and commencing commercial rollout across key European markets. This move is set to bolster Italy’s position in the renewable energy sector and contribute to the broader European energy transition efforts.
Italy’s Broader Commitment to Renewable Energy Innovation
GEVI’s success aligns with Italy’s strategic push towards innovative renewable energy technologies. The Italian government has been actively promoting and funding research and development in the clean energy sector. For instance, the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security has issued several calls for proposals as part of the “Mission Innovation 2.0” initiative, allocating €200 million for projects in areas like non-programmable renewable energy sources and energy flexibility.
Furthermore, the European Commission approved an Italian State aid scheme aimed at developing 4,590 MW of renewable electricity capacity by 2028, focusing on innovative technologies including offshore wind. Such initiatives create a fertile ground for companies like GEVI, whose innovations are crucial for achieving national and European decarbonization targets and reducing reliance on energy imports.
The support for GEVI’s self-adjusting blade technology represents a significant step in making small-scale wind power a more viable and impactful component of the future energy mix, offering a distributed and modular solution where traditional methods may fall short.
