As of right now, energy production from traditional wind turbines is limited, as their altitude maxes out around 200 meters, which limits how much wind they can capture. SkySails, a technology company focused on clean wind energy has created a prototype that should, if it works, solve this problem and allow companies to harness even more energy, and although it may seem simple, it is not, as it requires the prototype to be 750 meters up in the air, more than three times than the current windmills are.
The concept is simple according to SkySails “The higher you go, the stronger and steadier the wind becomes.” And so to accomplish this they have created a mechanical kite that is tethered to a ground station. The kite loops in a figure-eight motion, and that movement pulls on the tether, which then drives a generator on the ground.
The new way of harnessing wind energy
While the technology seems a bit wild for us on the ground, it really does give a new level of flexibility to energy production, as these flying systems can be launched or packed up depending on the weather, which helps minimize downtime and repairs. They also require way less steel and concrete than traditional turbines, consuming a lot less resources and having a much smaller carbon footprint, which also aligns with clean energy goals. Plus, since it does not require as much terrain to work since there is barely any need for floor space, it can work better in remote or hard-to-reach places.
But the main pro is that they generate up to ten times more energy per unit of material than ground-based turbines, or they will if they can succeed past the testing phase, which is going on now in certain parts of the U.S. Early results are promising, this has the potential to produce enough electricity to support large sections of the grid, which is what is needed now, but the process will be expensive and hard to implement.
The pros really outweigh the cons, at least for now. At that high altitude, the winds are not just stronger, they are also more predictable, allowing for more energy to be harnessed, and while the expense is a concern, it is not like traditional turbines are cheap to make or maintain, and the cost should really come down once the project is under way and there is a production line involved.
Plus, with fewer moving parts, simpler maintenance, and a smaller physical footprint, kite-powered systems could become a much more affordable way to access wind energy. That opens the door for individuals, small businesses, or remote communities to join the clean energy movement.
The technology could be amazing, and since the kites could go anywhere, they could fly over farmland, or be deployed quickly in disaster zones where fast, off-grid power is crucial. The sky is literally the limit with this technology, and by making it more affordable and more accessible, many that now do not have the option to partake would suddenly find themselves with options other than solar panels, which have taken the lead purely because of ease of installation.
Wind energy has been used and harnessed for centuries, but it is only in the past few decades that it has become a viable energy source for mass production. Still, the conditions need to be very concrete and production can fluctuate severely depending on winds and other environmental conditions. This is why researchers and engineers are trying to improve the process and make it even more efficient, to ensure that cleaner energy for the future is not just attainable, but profitable.