Royal spotlight shines on North East tech

A North East energy firm showcased its innovation to a global audience.

Newcastle-based Kinewell Energy drew international attention at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, where pioneering offshore wind software developed in the North East was on display to 250,000 daily visitors. 

The firm was invited by the Department for Business and Trade to feature in the UK Pavilion’s Come Power the Future showcase, where its interactive game EduKLOC became one of the star attractions. 

Members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, trialled the game during the four-day event.

The Duchess of Edinbugh playing EduKLOC at the World Expo in Osaka

EduKLOC is based on Kinewell’s award-winning inter-array cable layout optimisation software KLOC, which is used by major industry players including SSE Renewables, Equinor, Parkwind and Xodus. 

While KLOC delivers significant cost and time savings for offshore wind projects, EduKLOC gamifies the same principles for public engagement, bringing maths, business concepts and renewable energy planning to life for schoolchildren, families, engineers and international visitors.

Over 3500 people aged three to 85 played EduKLOC at the Expo, including those with disabilities and non-English speakers, sparking conversations about renewable energy and STEM careers.

Dr Andrew Jenkins, chief executive and founder of Kinewell, said: “We are proud to have represented the North East and the UK at the World Expo. 

“Seeing schoolchildren, families and even the Royal Family engage with EduKLOC shows that offshore wind can capture imaginations when presented in the right way.

“Our region has a vital role to play in delivering the clean energy transition, and tools like EduKLOC are helping to inspire talent while highlighting the impact that North East innovation is already having globally.”

The World Expo in Osaka, Japan

The success of EduKLOC follows the North East Combined Authority’s TIGGOR programme, delivered by ORE Catapult, which funded the development of KLOC. 

The interactive tool will now be available at Blyth’s new £15 million Energy Central Hub Visitors Centre for schools and community groups.

Kinewell’s commercial software has already demonstrated substantial industry impact, typically saving 20 per cent of cable system costs compared to traditional designs, with public users achieving up to 35 per cent savings in simulated exercises. 

The tool also delivers productivity gains by producing results in minutes that would otherwise take engineers weeks.

Earlier this year, Kinewell received the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, cementing its reputation as a North East business with global reach. 

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade added: “Our Come Power The Future Showcase at Expo 2025 highlights how innovation and collaboration can inspire a cleaner energy future.

“Kinewell has been an outstanding example of UK expertise in offshore wind, delivering technology that makes a difference both commercially and educationally. 

“We are delighted to have them part of the UK Pavilion.”

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