In 2023, Kitepower flew a 176-pound fabric wing over a Mayo bog for the first time. 3 years later, it has logged more than 90 flights and over 100 hours generating airborne wind-energy data

As countries look for new ways to generate renewable electricity, engineers are exploring technologies that can capture wind energy beyond the reach of conventional turbines. One such approach replaces the familiar tower and rotating blades with a lightweight flying wing connected to equipment on the ground. The concept aims to use stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes while keeping the machinery relatively light and transportable.

That idea is being tested on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, where Kitepower has been operating an airborne wind-energy system above peat bogland in County Mayo. The project is designed to gather real-world data and determine whether a tethered wing can reliably convert wind into useful electrical power.