Energy security

Google’s “Energy Kites” Projects Kicks Off

Makani’s “energy kites” are really not kites at all, but are plane-like machines tethered to ground stations. Rotors on the kite launch it high into the air, where it then starts to rotate, driving an on-board generator to produce electricity, which moves down its tether to a grid below.  The company’s effort is to show that it’s possible to use the same aerodynamic principles as conventional wind turbines, with lightweight electronics and smart software in place of massive amounts of steel.

Makani’s wind kites can reach higher altitudes than traditional wind turbines, which lets them access stronger and steadier winds to produce more energy. They also require less ground space, which makes them a more viable option than conventional wind turbines all around the world.