Ahead of AWEC 2026, which will take place in Porto from 24–26 June, two special pre-events will offer stakeholders and the wider public the opportunity to learn more about airborne wind energy and its growing role in the renewable energy transition.
Webinar: Exploring AWE opportunities in Portugal and its Atlantic Islands
On 15 June, Airborne Wind Europe and University of Porto will host a bilingual webinar (Portuguese and English) exploring the opportunities and future prospects of airborne wind energy in Portugal and its Atlantic islands.
The webinar will feature speakers from Airborne Wind Europe, UPWIND Energy, the UPWIND Research Group at the University of Porto, and Kitepower. Discussions will cover the European AWE landscape, ongoing research and innovation activities, industry developments and opportunities for deployment in Portugal and the Azores.
Participation is open to everyone interested in learning more about AWE, including researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, students and members of the public.
JOIN: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/334875974017948?p=L2vZt6d7eVAwdB2piS
Webinar: Exploring airborne wind energy opportunities in Portugal and its Atlantic Islands (held in Portuguese and English)
Date: 15 June
Time: 10:00–11:15 Portugal mainland / 09:00–10:15 Azores. (11:00–12:15 CEST)
Moderator: Fernando Fontes (FEUP / UPWIND Research Group)
AGENDA (CEST):
11:00 – 11:05
Welcome and introduction
11:05 – 11:15
Airborne wind energy: The European landscape and emerging opportunities
Kristian Petrick (Airborne Wind Europe)
11:15 – 11:25
The road to market: The Kitepower experience
Sweder Reuchlin (Kitepower)
11:25 – 11:35
Airborne wind energy research and innovation at the University of Porto
Fernando Fontes (UPWIND Research Group)
11:35 – 11:45
Building an AWE company in Portugal: The UPWIND Energy journey
Luis Tiago Paiva (UPWIND Energy)
11:45 – 12:15
Q&A and Open Discussion
12:15
Closing remarks
Public kite exhibition in Porto
On 17 June, a public kite exhibition will take place at Parque da Quinta de Lamas in Porto, offering visitors the opportunity to discover AWE technology up close and learn more about how innovative kite-based systems can contribute to the future renewable energy mix.
The exhibition follows a successful public showcase held earlier this year in Madrid, where a large-scale Kitepower kite attracted significant interest from policymakers, stakeholders, students and members of the public. Building on this experience, the Porto exhibition aims to raise awareness of the technology and provide an accessible introduction to one of the most innovative renewable energy solutions currently under development.
Date: 17 June from 9 AM onwards
Location: Parque da Quinta de Lamas, Porto
We look forward to welcoming you to Porto and to these special pre-events in the run-up to AWEC 2026!