AWE-KM2 is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No. 101189207. Led by Kitemill AS, this single-beneficiary initiative aims to develop and validate Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) as a material-efficient and scalable solution within the European renewable energy landscape.
Supported through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, AWE-KM2 contributes directly to the European Green Deal and Net Zero Industry Act. The project focuses on reducing critical raw material dependency, enhancing energy security, and enabling deployment of wind energy in new regions.
The project also aims to foster collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions to accelerate the adoption of AWE technology. By building a robust network of stakeholders, AWE-KM2 seeks to drive innovation and create synergies that will enhance the project's impact on the renewable energy sector.
The AWE-KM2 project advances the development of a tethered rigid-wing kite system designed to capture high-altitude wind. Unlike conventional turbines, AWE systems operate with significantly less material, simpler infrastructure, and access to more consistent wind resources. These features position AWE as a complementary and potentially more flexible addition to Europe’s renewable energy mix.
Technology Validation
Demonstrate autonomous control and operational performance through real-world testing, focusing on critical flight phases including landing.
Material Efficiency
Quantify material savings of up to 90 percent compared to conventional wind and solar technologies.
Energy System Integration
Evaluate how AWE systems can contribute to grid stability and complement intermittent renewable energy sources.
Environmental Impact
Measure the carbon footprint and environmental benefits of AWE systems in line with EU sustainability goals.
Stakeholder Engagement
Communicate progress and results transparently and support regulatory development and public understanding of AWE.
In the first 12 months of the project, Kitemill completed extensive testing of its KM1 system under Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) conditions. Key technical achievements include the development and validation of a control method for autonomous landing and the further integration of Kitemill’s proprietary simulation tools to support system design and performance forecasting.
The company also completed regulatory preparations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and secured approval shortly after the reporting period, enabling broader test operations. Equity financing of more than 2.1 million euros was raised to support these development and demonstration efforts.
Through AWE-KM2, Kitemill has advanced airborne wind energy technology by:
These results contribute to preparing AWE for commercial deployment and regulatory acceptance.
Kitemill contributes to European and national policy development related to renewable energy and unmanned aviation. The company has submitted input to public consultations under the Net Zero Industry Act and Norway’s national strategy on new air mobility, and remains actively engaged through Airborne Wind Europe and IEA Wind Task 48.
Dissemination activities in 2025 included participation in WindEurope, EU Sustainable Energy Week, and national policy forums, where Kitemill provided recommendations on permitting frameworks and the inclusion of AWE in national energy strategies.
The following deliverables are available for public access:
Additional public-facing results will be shared as the project progresses.
As the global demand for energy is projected to rise by 24-34% by 2040, a fundamental shift towards renewable energy sources is urgently needed to mitigate climate change and achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Recognizing this need, Kitemill has developed a cutting-edge Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) system that offers a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for wind energy production.
In October 2019, Kitemill initiated the AWE project, funded by the European Commission through the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument. The project aimed to develop and commercialize this advanced AWE technology, improve operational performance, secure permits and collaborations, and penetrate various market segments. By realizing these objectives, Kitemill contributes to consolidating Europe's industrial leadership in the AWE sector, meeting the escalating global need for renewable energy.
Throughout the project, Kitemill made considerable strides in technical and operational development, market expansion, and project management. A significant achievement was obtaining permits for an innovative AWE demonstration park in Lista, Norway. This site, featuring the world's first five 30 kW units, showcased the groundbreaking potential of Kitemill's technology.
The following was also shared in the public domain:
1. Communication and dissimination plan
2. A public report of permission work for the first customer
3. A public report of permission work in new national markets
With more than 350 successful flights and over 3000 hours on-site, Kitemill's AWE technology demonstrated consistent efficiency across a broad range of operational conditions. The project underscored the mass advantage of Kitemill's technology, enhancing the feasibility of scaling the business and technology implementation.
Read more detailed about the project results here: Kitemill Breaking Records for Automatic Operation
Moreover, Kitemill secured five patents during the project, placing it at the forefront of the AWE industry. By surpassing the state of the art in wind energy generation, Kitemill has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy sector.
These advancements, coupled with the successful installation and operation of the second AWE system at Lista, mark the successful completion of the project in January 2023. As a result, Kitemill is now ideally positioned to disrupt the renewable energy market and contribute to a more sustainable energy transition.
The impacts of the AWE project are expected to be far-reaching. From strengthening Europe's renewable energy industry and furthering sustainability in energy production, to promoting access to affordable wind energy solutions. The wider societal implications involve fostering a more sustainable energy future and playing a pivotal role in the global fight against climate change. Kitemill's AWE technology's potential socio-economic impact is substantial, with a scalable business model that could potentially reach €1 billion in turnover in the early 2030s, in line with the acceleration towards net-zero emissions.
Looking forward, the AWE project results serve as a foundation for the commercial path of Kitemill, with external reviews validating the technology's potential. This success underscores the role of innovative companies like Kitemill in meeting the world's energy needs while also addressing critical environmental challenges.
The EU review report praises Kitemill's Airborne Wind Energy project as a renewable energy pioneer. The project achieved all set objectives and milestones, with standout accomplishments including enhanced airborne wind power systems, and the securing of a commercial sale agreement with Sør Energi. The project demonstrates excellence in project management and contributes significantly to EU policy objectives by optimizing renewable energy utilization, reducing wind power generation costs, and bolstering the EU's competitive economy. The review commends Kitemill's successful trajectory and offers no recommendations for future adjustments, endorsing Kitemill's pivotal role in addressing global energy needs and climate change.
Picture from one of the milestones in the project. Installation and first operation of the second AWE system at Lista:
