Airborne Wind Energy Projects
DEM-AWE is set to demonstrate K-BESS, a groundbreaking maket-entry application for AWE
The DEM-AWE demonstration will span a minimum of 18 months with a K-BESS prototype sized for its capability to charge a 400kWh battery in 10 hours at two test-sites in Mayo, Ireland, and Dirksland, Netherlands. This extensive trial will provide valuable operational data, experience, and feedback from stakeholders to produce a reliable new solution.
Both test sites are already permitted and consented for Kitepower’s AWE system through the MegaAWE project, implemented through Interreg North-West Europe during 2020-2023. The DEM-AWE project will extensively focus on actual operations towards performance validation, user involvement, safety, maintenance, optimisation of control strategies, and regulatory compliance.
Just and effective governance for accelerating wind energy
JustWind4All, a Horizon Europe project, aims to support the acceleration of on- and offshore wind energy, including emerging wind technologies like airborne and floating, through just and effective governance. By using a trans-disciplinary multi-method research design, it creates synergies among people and organisations to coordinate and participate in actions around wind energy deployment. Moreover, it aims to develop knowledge, practical guidelines, instruments, strategies, and trainings for just and effective decision-making in onshore and offshore wind energy governance. One of the key activities of JustWind4All project is engaging with local, regional, national and EU wind energy governance actors across policy, community and industry through its Wind Forum – a platform designed to meet, network, discuss and go into action.
Multiscale modelling for wind farm design, performance assessment and loading
The new Horizon Europe project Meridional brings together a consortium of twelve European partners led by Delft University of Technology with the aim to develop a tool chain to increase accuracy in energy yield assessment and loads for both wind turbines and airborne wind energy systems.
Meridional stands for “multiscale modelling for wind farm design, performance assessment and loading”. Over the next four years the partners will work on a comprehensively validated framework based on an open-source platform which will draw on an integrated knowledge and data hub to allow the efficient and accurate assessment of the performance and loads experienced by onshore, offshore, and airborne wind energy systems.
Task 48 provides a platform for the open exchange of ideas, experience, and technique AWE
Started in 2021 Task 48 aims to build a strong community that works together to identify and mitigate the barriers to the development and deployment of airborne wind energy systems. We provide a structured forum for international collaborations between researchers, supply chains, and users to exchange needs, ideas, and experiences.
AWETRAIN aims to tackle the key challenges of scaling AWE technology for global energy markets
AWETRAIN, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, will run from December 1st, 2024, to November 30th, 2028, to bring together academic and industrial leaders to advance airborne wind energy technology.
It aims to accelerate the adoption of airborne wind energy (AWE). By combining cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary training, and public engagement, AWETRAIN will shape the next generation of renewable energy pioneers. Twelve doctoral candidates (DCs) will be hired in 2025 to conduct research, improve device reliability, design and optimize AWE plants, and create strategies for social and market acceptance.
Past projects
MegaAWE
The MegaAWE project in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland, came to an end launching test flights in September 2023 to advance utility-scale Airborne Wind Energy. Led by Mayo County Council and supported by Interreg North-West Europe, this initiative started to harness high-altitude wind resources using devices like kites and drones, complementing traditional energy sources. The newly established test hub will gather crucial data for AWE development, supported by partnerships with RWE Renewables and Kitepower. AWE devices promise lower environmental impact and simpler supply chains, especially beneficial for remote areas. This collaborative effort seeks to revolutionize renewable energy and means a significant step toward a greener future. The follow-up project, DEM-AWE, is now ongoing.
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