Clean energy technology is some of the hardest engineering in the world to show. It sits underwater, offshore or underground. It's often enormous. And much of it hasn't been built yet, because you need the funding, consent and buy-in first.
That's where 3D animation earns its place. It lets investors, planners, communities and future operators see exactly how your system works, from any angle, at any scale, long before anyone can stand next to it.
Why clean energy is hard to show
- It's out of sight. Tidal turbines, subsea connectors and cables work where no camera can usefully go.
- It's not built yet. Planning, funding and partnerships happen before construction, so there's nothing to film.
- The important part is invisible. Energy flows, gas processes and electrical systems don't photograph well.
- The audience is mixed. An engineer, a funder and a local resident all need to understand it, at different levels of detail.
Who needs to understand your technology
Most renewable projects have to win over several audiences at once. Investors and funders need to see why it works and why it's better than the alternatives. Planners and government stakeholders need to understand the impact. Communities want to know what it means for them. And the teams who'll install and maintain it need procedures shown step by step.
One well-planned animation can serve all of them, especially when it's built to be cut into shorter versions for each audience.
Case study: Tidal Sails
Tidal Sails, based in Norway, developed technology that extracts kinetic energy from slow-moving tidal currents. Because it works underwater, it was difficult to show to prospective clients.
We created a realistic 3D animation showing how the system works and how it compares with less effective competitors. From there we produced a set of shorter videos, each going deeper into a specific technical aspect, so Tidal Sails could pick the right film for each conversation. Founder Are Børgesen described us as "competent, creative, listening, diligent and pleasurable to work with", adding that they'd "received several compliments for the animations". See the Tidal Sails project.
Case study: Quoceant Q-Connect
Quoceant's Q-Connect is a subsea plug that makes connecting and releasing offshore energy systems faster and safer. Those were the messages they needed stakeholders and customers to understand.
Working from Quoceant's own CAD models, we optimised them for animation while keeping the detail and accuracy, then showed Q-Connect across multiple scenarios to highlight its range of applications. The result is a clear visual explanation the team can use with funders, partners and the public, without anyone needing to go offshore. See the Quoceant project.
Case study: Centrica Energy Storage
Centrica Energy Storage needed to explain a complex network of systems going through a major transformation, to the public and to government stakeholders. As part of Britain's transition to green power, clear communication was vital to keep support for the project.
We worked closely with their technical team and produced a full-length animation written so it could be split into sections for social media, internal use and other channels. "Animated Technologies really delivered the Wow! factor," said Mike Orley, Chief of Staff. "Internal and external stakeholders have been very impressed with what has been delivered and it brings our projects to life." See the Centrica project.
Case study: WindFarm WorkSafe
WindFarm WorkSafe needed to explain DELTAsafe®, a protective bag that safeguards sensitive wind turbine inverters during lifting and installation. We used X-ray cutaways, emissions comparisons and real-world installation scenes to show how it reduces risk, waste and complexity on site. See the WindFarm WorkSafe project.
Beyond the animation
The 3D models built for an animation can work much harder than a single film. The same assets can produce CGI stills for brochures, press and pitch decks, an augmented reality model that sits on a boardroom table, or a VR walkthrough of a plant before it's built.
Frequently asked questions
Can you work from our CAD and engineering data?
Yes. CAD, P&IDs, drawings and site photography all feed the build. We'll tell you early exactly what we need.
Our technology is commercially sensitive. How is that handled?
We work under NDA as standard.
Can you show our technology against competitors?
Yes, as we did for Tidal Sails. Comparisons are often the most persuasive part of an investor film.
How much does it cost?
3D animation starts from £8,000 + VAT. See our pricing for what's included.
Make your technology visible
Whether you're raising investment, going through planning or launching to market, we can help people see how your technology works. See our clean energy work and 3D animation service, or contact us to talk about your project.
