The Oil Drum explains, in one of their trademark long, detailed, highly informative posts, how high altitude wind power may produce a superior Energy Returned On Energy Invested ratio (EROEI) compared to other renewable energy sources and quite possibly even to fossil fuels. Yeah, we’re in Holy Grail territory here.
The kitegen concept: high altitude wind power based on kites. In this configuration (“stem”), the kite reaches altitudes of the order of 1000 m; pulling on a power generator located on the ground.
This is not just some fanciful idea. The Google Foundation is funding R&D into high altitude wind, with $15 million to Makani Power and the European Parliament also sees it as a promising technology.