September 26 (Renewables Now) - German energy company RWE AG (ETR:RWE) has launched its airborne wind test facility in Ireland with a debut flight of Dutch start-up Kitepower’s kite technology.
The test facility is located in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland. RWE unveiled plans in 2021 to deliver the test centre in partnership with Ampyx Power, a Dutch company that has become insolvent.
RWE said on Monday the site obtained planning permission earlier in 2023 to allow the Kitepower device to fly. The partners will test the Kitepower Falcon system with the capability to generate up to 100 kW.
The German company sees potential in airborne wind, which involves low capital expenditure and can be used in combination with other technologies, to contribute to further reducing the cost of energy.
“RWE is exploring many different industry innovations to see whether airborne wind technology could complement our existing renewables portfolio of offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and battery storage,” explained Cathal Hennessy, head of Onshore Renewables Development UK & Ireland.
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