High Altitude Wind Power

The first international conference on High Altitude Wind Power happened last November in Chico, CA.  That’s a sign this new technology is being taken seriously by academics.  Hence, the rest of us concerned about our energy needs should become acquainted with the topic.  For those unfamiliar with the concept, the idea is simply that winds are stronger and more reliable as you get further from the earth’s surface – peaking near 10,000 meters.  Harnessing high level winds could be an abundant energy source, but for the challenges of the technology.  Various methods of tapping the resource have been suggested.  A few prototypes have been built, and there are a couple of companies on the verge of releasing commercial products.

See my review of this topic High Altitude Wind Power - A Review