Harnessing High Altitude Winds to Deploy Low-Cost Power
The emerging airborne wind sector continues to grow as small companies around the globe edge closer to commercialising innovative technologies. Boston-based Altaeros Energies is a pioneer in this field, securing the first approved and funded commercial demonstration of an airborne wind energy system in the USA. Altaeros is set to deploy its breakthrough 30kW wind turbine in Alaska in 2015. The Altaeros turbine will reach a height of 1,000 feet (300 metres), over 275 feet (83 metres) taller than the current record holder for the highest wind turbine, which is the Vestas V164-8.0-MW at the Danish National Test Centre for Large Wind Turbines.
By Ryan Holy, Manager, Business Development, Altaeros Energies, USA