Bangor Erris landscape, in County Mayo, Ireland, hosts a groundbreaking renewable energy initiative that is actively taking shape. The site, established by RWE in collaboration with Kitepower and also supported by Interreg North-West Europe, had its maiden flight in September 2023. An AWE hub that marks a significant milestone in the development of this renewable energy technology, providing developers with a dedicated hub to refine their devices in real-life conditions. The test site was built under the MegaAWE project, and now Kitepower are running a demonstration of their K-BESS solution as part of the DEM-AWE collaboration.
The beginning of the test site
The County Mayo site was chosen after an extensive global search for a suitable location to develop this technology. The site underwent two years of rigorous environmental studies to minimize its impact on the surrounding area and ensuring compliance with planning and environmental regulations. Additionally, Kitepower secured a cross-border permit for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and temporary restricted airspace (TRA), setting a significant precedent for integrated cross-country regulation within the EU.
Showcasing K-BESS Technology
The DEM-AWE collaboration was launched in February 2024 and is utilising the AWE test site in Bangor Erris for a demonstration of a battery energy storage system powered by a kite (K-BESS). Over 18 months Kitepower will be flying their K-BESS with a capacity to charge a 400kWh battery in 10 hours, collecting the data and refining the technology, while the rest of the DEM-AWE team are working on site identification and route to market in North-West of Europe. This mobile renewable energy solution has the potential to provide access to clean energy in remote and off-grid areas, including islands, as well as industries like construction and agriculture that currently depend on polluting diesel generators.
Local Impact and Operational Success
The test site is not only the hub for technological achievements, as it has also provided an insight into social acceptance of Airborne Wind Energy and has already generated jobs locally. Since the beginning of 2024, Kitepower has hired two local colleagues, with a third ready to join in October. The local involvement has reduced the need for operators to fly in from Kitepower's headquarters in the Netherlands.
The team has managed to establish a steady rhythm of flight operations, averaging two flights per week since deployment. In some cases, the kite has flown for up to four consecutive days. These flights have focused on enhancing both power output and endurance, leading to longer and more powerful flight sessions.
In addition, Kitepower, have recently hosted an open day for locals to visit and understand more about AWE as well as a local school over to show them around the test site.
The Road Ahead
As the DEM-AWE collaboration continues, the test site in Bangor Erris stands as a bespoke hub for Airborne Wind Energy development in Europe. The success of the K-BESS prototype could build a market entry case for this technology, paving the way to a broader adoption of AWE technologies, bringing renewable energy to remote environments that are challenging to reach for grid and large-scale infrastructure. With ongoing operations and continued local involvement, this project not only contributes to the energy transition, but also generates benefits to the local community in County Mayo.