Joan Saladich, the founder of the Catalan company Geoskop, studied Geological Engineering. After graduating, he struggled to find a job, even unpaid. It wasn’t until a conversation with a colleague revealed the business potential of climate prediction that Saladich saw an opportunity. Like many entrepreneurs, he identified a niche market in Europe with little competition. “I enjoy scientific programming, so in my free time or during vacations, I researched how to develop an algorithm for long-term climate prediction,” recalls the founder. Saladich needed computing power, which he obtained as a server tester for the Copernicus project initiated by the European Union. “They provided access to large servers, which I used to overcome limitations and launch my company,” he explains.
Revolutionizing Climate Prediction Algorithms
Geoskop, now with three employees, aims to predict climate patterns for the next 20 years and assess their economic impact. The algorithms, though based on existing models, have been refined significantly. “Current climate change models by science are suitable for global studies, but insufficient for industries like hospitality or renewable energy,” explains Saladich. “Companies investing in wind or solar parks need to design a financial plan and estimate their returns, considering factors like radiation or wind as relative resources.”
Reducing Economic Uncertainty in Renewable Energy
Installing about 15 wind turbines costs around 85 million euros. According to Saladich, entrepreneurs often face uncertainty about maintaining economic performance. “With these algorithms, losses are minimized by determining the optimal location and investment duration for a park,” he notes. While exact figures vary, Saladich emphasizes the potential savings. “Geoskop can significantly reduce losses, sometimes achieving a deviation of 0% over ten years. In any case, renewable energy becomes more efficient and productive.”
Success and Collaborations
In the past year, Geoskop generated approximately 200,000 euros through partnerships with companies like Italy’s ENI and Spain’s Naturgy, as well as collaborations in countries like Lithuania and Andorra. They also contribute to European programs like IA4 Copernicus and work with the European Space Agency on Sustax for global climate modeling. “The new European legal framework requires businesses to demonstrate climate change adaptation in their non-financial reports, and that’s where Geoskop comes in,” Saladich elaborates.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainable Energy
The journey of Geoskop exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in addressing climate challenges. With a blend of scientific expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, Saladich and his team are reshaping the renewable energy landscape. Through advanced algorithms and strategic partnerships, Geoskop is not only mitigating economic risks but also driving the transition towards a more sustainable future. As the demand for renewable energy grows, Geoskop stands ready to lead the way in climate prediction and environmental stewardship.