- While winds blow stronger at higher altitudes, building windmills that can withstand more powerful gusts is costly.
- As an alternative, SkySails (Germany) and Kitepower (Netherlands) have developed kites capable of capturing wind power.
- Similar to regular kites, these kites are launched from the ground and spin in the wind while tethered to generators.
- SkySails kite power system will cost $340K and generate power at half the cost of conventional turbines.
- Potential obstacles to widespread kite-power include tethers snapping and kites interfering with air traffic.
