Makani, a Google-owned start-up, is working in Hawaii to develop flying wind turbines that will lead to greater use of renewable energy — and reduce energy costs. Flying about 1,000ft off the ground they have the potential to provide power for up to 300 homes.
Makani is known for designing and developing lightweight kites that can harness wind energy from a high altitude; and although the ultimate goal is the same as for offshore wind or solar farms, the methodology is somewhat different. Small prototypes of the wind kite have already been tested, but the current project — taking place in a small plot of land on the Big Island just south of Waimea — is much larger.
Peter Fitzgerald, UK sales director for Google, said the costs of renewable energy could be reduced because the turbines do not require poles like traditional methods. He said: “You have to spend a lot of money on steel and concrete to build these massive turbines, and you can only do that in about 15% of the world, where the wind is fast enough.”