Former Minister Åslaug Haga joins the board of Kitemill, a Norwegian technology company developing next-generation wind power – Airborne Wind Energy. She brings broad experience from politics, energy and international work, and will help strengthen Kitemill's commercialization and industrial scaling efforts.
"Kitemill is one of the most exciting initiatives I have seen in renewable energy. Their technology can change the way we think about renewable energy – both economically and environmentally," says Åslaug Haga.
"I want to contribute to Norway taking a larger share of value creation in the future international energy market. It is absolutely crucial that we succeed in building Norwegian industry and export jobs based on green technology."
Kitemill has developed a technology where drones fly in circles high above the ground, attached to a ground-based generator via a tether. The system produces energy using only 10% of the materials compared to solar and conventional wind power. It reaches higher altitudes where wind resources are better and more stable. The technology will reduce costs, land use and environmental impact, accelerate the energy transition, and is supported by the EU through the EIC Accelerator program and Horizon Europe.
"We are very pleased to welcome Åslaug Haga to the team. She has unique insight into how politics, business, and society must work together to succeed with new green industry. Her experience and network will be a great strength for Kitemill as we now enter the next phase," says Jérôme Guillet, Chairman of Kitemill.
Kitemill is facing an important growth phase with the goal of establishing industrial pilot projects in Norway and Europe. The company sees great opportunities in combining Norwegian technology development with international markets that demand flexible and sustainable wind power.
About Kitemill: Kitemill is headquartered in Voss with an R&D department in Farsund. The company develops Airborne Wind Energy technology with the goal of producing wind power at less than half the cost of traditional wind power with a small footprint.
About Åslaug Haga: Åslaug Haga is a former Minister of Petroleum and Energy and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. She was the leader of the Centre Party and has experience as leader of Renewable Norway and Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Download the press release here.
