Success of the Webinar “The future of Airborne Wind Energy in Ireland”

DEM-AWE project partners celebrated the success and reception of the webinar “The future of Airborne Wind Energy in Ireland” held on Tuesday, May 28, from 11.00 to 12.00 UTC +1. “We are happy that our event attracted more than 30 participants from two dozen organisations, including various County Councils, the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), research institutes as well as other public authorities and interested parties from Ireland” highlighted Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of Airborne Wind Europe.

Precisely, Petrick was the speaker in charge to kick-off the event pointing out that, through the Airborne Wind Europe association, which has 20 members committed to the research and commercialization of AWE, efforts are being made to establish a regulatory and political framework for this technology in the EU and Member States, as well as its inclusion in the different NECPs.

Petrick emphasized the advantages of  AWE , such as “low environmental impact and carbon footprint and the fact thatAWE technology can harness untapped wind resources at high altitudes, offering new opportunities for renewable energy generation.” European and specific Irish maps presented during the webinar showing how wind speeds at heights at or above 500m can be accessible thanks to AWE technology.

Another topic highlighted was the first externally validated power curve presented by the German AWE developer SkySails for the first time at the end of March, as the latest evidence that AWE is becoming a viable technical option in many markets such as islands, rural areas, or construction sites. 

On the same line, Petrick underscored the inclusion of Airborne Wind Energy in Germany’s Renewable Energy Law (EEG). This marks a significant step for the industry, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and sustainability. Alhtough the specific tariff for AWE of around 11 cents per kWhis too low to cover current costs, it is an important political milestone as the EEG is known world-wide.

Then it was time for Sweder Reuchlin, Kitepower Flights Manager Operations, to introduce the new AWE test site jointly established with RWE in County Mayo (Ireland) in September 2023. The objective there is, through the DEM-AWE project, to showcase the groundbreaking application of AWE that’s nearing market readiness: the Hawk, a kite-powered battery energy storage system (K-BESS) developed by Kitepower. Supported by the Interreg North-West Europe  programme, the project will span 18 months and will deliver a commercially viable 30kW AWE system capable of charging a 400kWh battery in 10 hours.

In County Mayo, Kitepower, have already achieved a total of 50 flights spread over 33 hours since the establishment of the test site in the last quarter of 2023. The idea is “to deliver this product by 2025” said Reuchlin. He emphasized that “we are also working on our power curve in order to produce more power”. The fact is that “people appreciate this technology, what we do here, the location is so beautiful and we also hired two locals to work on the test site” ended Reuchlin.

Then, Inés Coca, from BlueWise Marine, talked about the GIS-based Site Identification Analysis for AWE in Ireland. It will provide crucial information for stakeholders as it will analyse “the feasibility and economic viability of deploying AWE technology and determine the energy generation capabilities of AWE systems and compare them with existing energy sources” highlighted Coca.

Deploying AWE devices still need space and safety certifications. The operational area takes around 700 m2 radius, but beyond it, there are necessary risk buffers to follow the actual AWE regulations. “We have to clearly identify useful operating areas, considering agricultural land uses, settlements, roads, railways, airports, forests, water bodies, protected and military areas” as Coca pointed out. The results will be released at the end of the project in 2025.

To wrap-up the speakers’ interventions, Louise O´Boyle, also from BlueWise Marine, was explaining the AWE opportunities for Ireland underscoring that this country “is already at the forefront of AWE development” hosting an AWE test site and a number of research projects, supported also by SEAI which  was actively involved in the establishment of the IEA Wind Task 48 on AWE.

O´Boyle asked for more “funding support for high potential technology development through national mechanisms, to have AWE mentioned and included in the Irish Climate Action Plan after its revision in 2025 and include AWE in the Irish NECP as one of the technologies that will help achieving the 5% target for innovative renewable energy technologies” said.

During the Q&A session a number of important topics were discussed like experiences regarding local acceptance of AWE systems, future AWE farms, or regulatory permits. It is planned to organise another webinar once more project outputs are available.

Charging your car with a kite might be closer than you think