Google invests in kite wind power

Fuel Fix:

 

Google has made yet another energy investment, acquiring a startup that makes kite-like airborne wind turbines.

Makani Power, based in Alameda, Calif., announced the acquisition on its website, one week after it conducted a test of its self-flying airborne turbine prototype. Google was already an investor in Makani.

Makani say its technology can produce the same power as conventional turbines at half the cost and with 90 percent fewer materials.

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Its turbines fly autonomously on kite-like devices that are “lightning hardened,” allowing them to produce power from stronger, more consistent winds at higher altitudes, according to the Makani website.

The technology also has the potential to play a large role in offshore wind, where there is far greater opportunity for power generation from wind than there is on land, the company said.

Though Makani has a long way to go, it said its technology would be far cheaper and possibly more productive than other forms of offshore wind turbines.
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Offshore wind maybe more dependable in some locations making the supply less intermittent.  It is an interesting technology, but I am still skeptical of its long term viability.  Its operation would have to be outside of areas of normal flight traffic.  I think the lower Texas Gulf Coast maybe one such area with its normal strong winds.  Locals objected to traditional wind turbines, but might be more accepting of this technology.