In a major step forward for airborne wind energy, Kitemill has received municipal approval for a key exemption permit under the Norse Airborne Wind Energy Project (NAWEP). This decision, made by elected local officials, follows two public hearings—one hosted by Kitemill and one by the municipality in accordance with the Norwegian Building Act.
The outcome reflects not only formal progress but strong local engagement and support for pioneering clean energy solutions.
“Getting this approval is a clear sign that communities are ready to explore bold, sustainable technologies,” said Thomas Hårklau, CEO of Kitemill. “This was never just a formality—this was about trust, dialogue, and shared ambition.”
Introducing new technology like airborne wind energy is never straightforward. It involves new regulatory pathways—not just for Kitemill, but for everyone involved: landowners, farmers, airport users, neighbors, politicians, and authorities at both municipal and national levels. This collaborative process helps ensure that innovation respects local context, safety, and environmental integrity.
Lista’s permit decision is a strong signal of trust and shared vision—and it sends the project forward into its final national stage: the concession process with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).
With the exemption permit in place, NAWEP is progressing steadily toward Financial Close in late 2025. The project will demonstrate 12 autonomous airborne wind systems at Lista, potentially establishing a new standard for cost-efficient, material-light renewable power generation.
“It’s important to be cautious with new tech,” Hårklau added. “But it’s equally important to move forward. What we’re building might become the most efficient renewable energy system ever deployed. That’s worth doing right.”
The coming months will focus on securing the national concession, finalizing funding, and preparing for construction in 2026.
While the exemption permit marks a major milestone, the process now continues with a formal appeal from the regional authority (Statsforvalteren), citing concerns about bird impacts. The municipality has requested a response from Kitemill, and both the company and Farsund’s deputy mayor addressed the issue today in a national NRK broadcast. As CEO Thomas Hårklau noted in the interview, the bird impact has been thoroughly assessed, and it's precisely through well-managed pilot projects like NAWEP that the knowledge base needed by authorities can be expanded.
Stay tuned for updates as NAWEP prepares for takeoff.
