Kite power - Cover Story

Whilst taller and more expensive wind turbines are springing up around the world, in a couple of years, if all goes well, kites may be flying far higher than windmills can reach. And, according to Massimo Ippolito, president and scientific director of Italian company Sequoia Automation, each kite could produce more energy than a nuclear reactor. Meanwhile, conventional wind farms are expanding rapidly; the technology is improving, demand is growing and private companies – as well as governments – are investing heavily. Executive director of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Randall Swisher claims these organisations are receiving ‘a generous return on their investments’. The US Congress recently extended the federal production tax credit until the end of 2008 and the wind mill industry hopes for further extension of five years. Electric power from wind in the US increased 27% in 2006 and was expected to grow an additional 26% in 2007, making it second only to natural gas. “Wind energy is a cost effective source that alleviates global warming and enhances our nation’s energy security,” said Swisher. New installations built in 2006 – which required an investment of $4billion – produced 2.454GW. Whilst fewer new towering masts were planned for construction last year, the two years of new machines will have doubled the US’ total wind energy output, according to the AWEA.