High altitude wind energy gets analyzed

Wind turbine power technology has certainly come a long way over the centuries.

. Today, offshore wind technology is making it possible to generate clean energy close to areas of high population density and high demand - the coasts.

. But, what if a technology existed that could harness wind resources at over 1.2 miles above the earth?

. GL Garrad Hassan, an international renewable energy consultancy firm, has issued the first market report analyzing the fascinating new industry of High Altitude Wind Energy (HAWE).

. HAWE systems are designed to harness the faster, more stable air currents beyond the reach of tower-based turbines, and, hopefully, generate cheaper and more abundant electricity than current wind technology.

. Technically, a HAWE system, like this one we covered last year from Joby Energy , is basically a tethered object flying at high altitude which uses a mechanical system to harness the kinetic energy from the wind to generate electricity.

. The report looks at the energy potential of high altitude winds, the current HAWE technologies’ market potential, and the technical and regulatory challenges faced by the nascent industry.

. The report lists 22 companies that have already developed, or announced that they plan to develop, prototypes .

. From kites, kytoons, aerostats and gliders to sailplanes with turbines or airfoils attached; this inventory sounds more like something you would find in a toy store than something a serious investor would consider.

. But, the report shows that European and American HAWE developers are beginning to see an influx of investment from both private and governmental partners.

. The report also shows that HAWE systems might help overcome some of the current hurdles to offshore wind development, particularly in areas where shallow water makes conventional turbine systems infeasible.

. * Lauren Craig, EarthTechling