Henrik Stiesdal and Andrew Garrad Receive Prestigious QEPRIZE Engineering Award for Transformative Advances in Wind Turbine Technology

The 2024 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize) has recognized Denmark’s Henrik Stiesdal and Britain’s Andrew Garrad CBE FREng for their groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of high-performance wind turbines. These innovations have not only played a vital role in diversifying the global energy mix but have also significantly contributed to the generation of global electricity.

The laureates, announced by Lord Browne of Madingley, Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation, during a reception at the Science Museum, have collectively shaped the wind energy landscape over the past four decades. Henrik Stiesdal, credited for a pioneering three-blade turbine, has been instrumental in scaling up the efficiency of modern turbines. His innovations, including pitch control and one-piece cast turbine blades, have become integral to the wind energy industry.

Andrew Garrad, through the BLADED computational design tool, has allowed engineers worldwide to model and predict the behavior of complex turbine systems, facilitating the rapid expansion of the global manufacturing base. Both laureates have been key figures in the evolution of wind energy, from its early days to the colossal turbines powering the industry today.

Henrik Stiesdal expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of wind power pioneers and engineers, emphasizing the Prize's significance in recognizing innovations that address climate change and provide global benefits. Andrew Garrad, reflecting on the transformative journey of wind energy, sees the Prize as a tribute to a broader community of individuals who have made wind energy an essential component of our zero-carbon future.

As we celebrate these engineering luminaries, we invite you to stay connected with Eng Trepreneur for more stories of innovation and sustainability.

Subscribe to our newsletter and join us in shaping a future powered by pioneering engineering solutions.

Subscribe to the Eng Trepreneur newsletter for more inspiring stories and innovations in engineering.