Netherlands-based startup Kitepower has developed an airborne wind energy system which uses 90% less material than wind turbines and can significantly reduce the cost of wind energy.
Unlike conventional wind turbines, the Kitepower system does not require resource-intensive towers or heavy foundations and is thus easy to transport and deploy. The system, whose design follows that of a recreational kite, is able to harness stronger and more persistent winds at higher altitudes.
The 100kW system currently in development is ideally suited to replace diesel generator sets in remote locations to save costs and mitigate dependency on diesel supply.
Kitepower’s patented technology is a a game-changer in the wind energy sector, and is said to be twice as efficient than existing technology.
Kitepower hopes to release the 100-kilowatt system named the Kitepower Falcon by the end of 2020.
Kitepower say: “We envision a world where renewable electricity is affordable for everyone. At Kitepower, we develop the future generation of wind energy systems. Our innovative technology can significantly reduce the cost of wind energy and can be used in remote locations. In addition, our systems are environmentally friendly whilst having minimal visual and noise impact.”
During test flights, Kitepower’s pioneering system stayed in the air generating power for as long as 10 hours. It will be one of the first airborne wind energy systems available on the market.
Kitepower was founded by Johannes Peschel and Roland Schmehl in 2016 as a result of the work done by Delft University’s pioneering kite power research group of the former astronaut Wubbo Ockels.
Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.
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