Association

Airborne Wind Europe is the association of the European airborne wind energy industry.

Airborne Wind Europe encourages high-level discussions on generation of energy from high-altitude winds by means of kite energy systems, wind drones and other airborne wind energy systems and encourages research, innovation and exchange of technical information among entrepreneurs, suppliers, utilities, developers,  energy consumers, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions and universities.

Airborne Wind Energy is a wind energy technology that is based on flying blades or wings attached to the ground by a thether. Two main principles exist how the wind energy can be turned into electricty. Either by mini wind turbines and generators mounted on the flying wing (first picture) or by having the wing pull on the tether and having the tether unwind from a drum on the ground, which is driving the generator (second picture). This ground generation method requires reeling the tether back in (third picture), which leads to a pumping or yoyo motion.

AWES: electricity generation in the air (first picture) and on the ground (pumping mode, second and third picture)

Working Groups

The following working groups of Airborne Wind Europe have been established:

Working Group “AWE Safety and Technical Guidelines”

The objective is to address all safety related aspects of the AWE system components (kite, tether, ground station), operations, noise emissions, power curves and other issues that shall be described in technical guidelines. The Working Group will also define ways on how to efficiently conduct the permitting process in cooperation with airspace authorities.

Working Group “AWEurope Roadmap”

The objective is to define a roadmap for the European AWE sector and develop a storyline for the AWE sector to communicate a consistent picture towards policy makers, investors, clients, media, public, and other stakeholders.

Working Group “Environmental and Public Acceptance”

The objective is to investigate issues and potential solutions or mitigation measures for AWE impacts on birds and other wildlife, visual impact, noise, public acceptance, community participation / consultation, etc. Methodologies and tools for Environmental Impact Assessments may be developed.

Members

Our members are the leading European Airborne Wind Energy companies, universities and research centers, suppliers, customers and supporters of the Airborne Wind Energy industry.

Leading Members, Airborne Wind Energy Companies &

Universities and Research Centers