<p>Wind turbine power technology has certainly come a long way over the centuries.</p>.<p> Today, <a href="http://www.earthtechling.com/tag/offshore-wind-power/" shape="rect">offshore wind technology</a> is making it possible to generate clean energy close to areas of high population density and high demand - the coasts. </p>.<p> But, what if a technology existed that could harness wind resources at over 1.2 miles above the earth? </p>.<p>GL Garrad Hassan, an international renewable energy consultancy firm, has <a href="http://www.gl-group.com/en/group/news_23772.php" shape="rect">issued</a> the first market report analyzing the fascinating new industry of High Altitude Wind Energy (HAWE). </p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>Technically, a HAWE system, <a href="http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/06/joby-energy-envisions-aloft-wind-turbines-as-power-source/" shape="rect">like this one we covered last year from Joby Energy</a>, 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. </p>.<p><a href="http://www.gl-group.com/assets/downloads/031PRe-REN_Market-Report_HAW-Energy_PressPreview_FINAL_E.pdf" shape="rect">The report looks</a> 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.</p>.<p>The report lists 22 companies that have already developed, or announced that they plan to develop, <a href="http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/06/joby-energy-envisions-aloft-wind-turbines-as-power-source/" shape="rect">prototypes</a>. </p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>But, the report shows that European and American HAWE developers are <a href="http://www.earthtechling.com/2010/06/google-backed-cleantech-start-up-flies-kites-for-wind-energy/" shape="rect">beginning to see an influx of investment</a> from both private and governmental partners.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>* <a href="http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/09/high-altitude-wind-energy-gets-analyzed/" shape="rect">Lauren Craig, <em>EarthTechling </em></a></p>