With the potential of airborne wind energy, engineers are envisioning a bright, clean, and wind-powered future. This technology has the potential to get to higher, stronger winds while requiring far less concrete and steel. One company has already prototyped a system with a capacity of 100kW, enough to power a couple dozen homes, and can be set up by two people in 20 minutes. To learn more about airborne wind energy and other interesting topics, check out Wondrium, a subscription service where you can find the answers to everything you’ve ever wondered about. Head to wondrium.com/scishow for a free trial. Airborne wind energy could be a great option in places where traditional wind energy is not feasible, such as steep terrain or remote locations. It has the potential to produce the same magnitude of power as conventional wind, while being more cost-effective and having a lower environmental impact. Although the technology is already available, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as the potential impacts on birds and bats, the comfort of people living in the vicinity, and how to operate safely near other infrastructure. Numerous prototypes and proof-of-concept projects are currently being tested or developed, and it may not be long before the concept of airborne wind energy becomes a reality.
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