RWE, a global leader in renewable energy, has launched its Airborne wind test facility in Ireland, partnering with Kitepower to test airborne wind energy technology. This initiative marks RWE’s commitment to advancing innovation in wind power.
Airborne Wind Energy utilises kites to capture wind energy at higher altitudes, offering greater efficiency. RWE has collaborated with Kitepower, Mayo County Council, and the MegaAwe Project, with funding from Interreg North West Europe.
The selection of Bangor Erris (a town in the Republic of Ireland) for the Airborne wind test facility was the result of an extensive global search for an ideal location to advance this technology.
Planning permission for the Kitepower device to operate at the site was granted earlier this year, facilitating its maiden flight and the development of innovative airborne wind energy technology.
Developing the new wind energy technology
Cathal Hennessy, Head of Onshore Renewables Development (Wind, Solar and Storage) UK & Ireland says, “We are delighted that RWE is helping to develop this new wind energy technology with our partner Kitepower.”
“RWE is exploring many different industry innovations to see if airborne wind technology could complement our existing renewables portfolio of offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and battery storage.”
“With low capital expenditure and fewer materials, Airborne wind has the potential to play a role in helping to drive down the cost of energy further. It will use winds at higher altitudes which are stronger, steadier, and more constant. It can be used onshore as well as offshore and in combination with other technologies such as solar electricity generation,” adds Hennessy.
Johannes Peschel, CEO of Kitepower, has outlined their innovative technology, which uses a large kite structure with a hybrid design to generate renewable energy.
This kite, with a 60-square-meter wingspan and a weight of only 80 kilograms, is part of the Kitepower Falcon system, capable of producing up to 100 kW of power. Initially tested at altitudes of 350 meters, there are plans to test it at even greater heights in the future.
The creation of a dedicated test hub in Bangor Erris represents a pioneering effort in the development of this revolutionary renewable energy system, with the aim of accelerating its progress.
Peschel adds “We are extremely proud that we have been able to contribute to the realisation of this test hub and are committed to adding this new class of renewables to our global energy mix in the near future.”
Kite Control Unit
Kitepower’s innovative energy generation system utilises a Kite Control Unit (KCU) attached to a Dyneema tether, known for its ultra-strength and lightweight properties. The tether is connected to a Ground Station housed in a standard 20-foot container, equipped with a generator.
The energy generation process involves two phases: the “Reel Out Phase” and the “Reel In Phase”.
During the “Reel Out Phase”, the Kitepower “Falcon” kite flies in a cross-wind figure-eight pattern, creating a strong pulling force that extends the tether and produces electricity as a result of this mechanical energy.
Once the tether reaches its maximum length, the KCU directs the kite back to a position directly above the ground station, initiating the “Reel In Phase”. During this phase, the tether is reeled in using minimal energy.
The entire cycle takes approximately 100 seconds, with 80 seconds allocated to the “Reel Out Phase” and 20 seconds for the “Reel In Phase”. This continuous and efficient process harnesses wind energy to produce electricity sustainably and reliably.
Brief about RWE
RWE claims to be a prominent player in the Irish energy market, with a growing portfolio of projects in operation and development since 2016. They maintain offices in Kilkenny City and Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.
Currently, RWE operates one onshore wind farm in Kerry and two battery storage facilities in Monaghan and Dublin.
RWE’s primary objective in Ireland is to expand its renewable energy business and become a long-term energy partner as Ireland undergoes its energy transition through 2030 and beyond.
They have an extensive pipeline of projects in development, totaling over 2 gigawatts (GW). This includes two offshore wind farms with a capacity of 1,750 megawatts (MW) and 10 onshore wind farms with a capacity of 520 MW, incorporating hybrid technologies.
RWE’s commitment to these projects highlights its role in helping Ireland achieve its renewable energy targets and environmental sustainability goals.
