The AWE-KM2 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101189207. Led by Kitemill AS, this single-beneficiary initiative focuses on developing and demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) systems to address critical challenges in material efficiency, energy security, and renewable energy scalability.
Aligned with the European Green Deal and the EU’s strategic objectives, AWE-KM2 targets reducing dependency on critical raw materials, enhancing energy resilience, and contributing to Europe’s sustainable energy transition. Supported under the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Accelerator program, the project highlights the transformative potential of AWE technology to complement the renewable energy mix.
The AWE-KM2 project is a pioneering initiative to advance AWE technology as a sustainable and efficient renewable energy solution. By leveraging winds in higher altitudes, AWE systems can achieve significant material savings and high energy capacity factors, positioning them as a key technology to address challenges in Europe’s energy transition.
Technology Validation:
Demonstrate and validate the performance of AWE systems through rigorous testing and reporting, ensuring compliance with project goals.
Material Efficiency:
Assess and demonstrate the material reduction benefits of AWE technology, with a target of reducing material use by up to 90% compared to conventional wind and solar energy technologies.
Energy System Integration:
Explore the potential of AWE systems to complement existing renewable energy sources and mitigate challenges related to intermittency and grid stability.
Environmental Impact:
Quantify the environmental benefits of AWE systems, including lower carbon footprints and reduced resource extraction needs, aligning with EU sustainability objectives.
Dissemination and Communication:
Engage stakeholders and the public by providing transparent reporting and updates on project progress and outcomes.
The AWE-KM2 project will deliver several publicly accessible reports and plans to support transparency and dissemination of results:
These deliverables ensure the effective sharing of knowledge and project results with stakeholders and the wider public.
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:
