Onshore wind power - clean energy from the ground up

A cornerstone of the renewable energy transition

What onshore wind power is – and how it works

Onshore wind draws on the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity — directly on land. Wind turns the rotor blades of a turbine, and a generator converts that motion into electrical energy, which is fed straight into the grid.

Most onshore wind turbines are installed in consistently windy regions such as coastal areas, high plateaus, and low mountain ranges. They are considered a mature, reliable technology: low-maintenance, scalable, and cost-effective.

With established permitting processes, proximity to existing infrastructure, and relatively low investment costs, onshore wind farms can be deployed quickly. Their decentralized nature strengthens regional energy security — making renewable power both visible and locally accessible.

Advantages of onshore wind power

Onshore wind is one of the most efficient and cost-effective forms of renewable energy worldwide. The technology is well-established and highly reliable — particularly in regions with consistent wind conditions. But its strengths go far beyond that:

Proven and reliable: A mature technology, tested and trusted around the world
Flexible deployment: Adaptable to a wide range of site conditions
Low investment costs: More affordable than many large-scale energy alternatives
Fast implementation: Short approval and construction times thanks to standardized procedures
Quick project turnaround: Ideal for meeting short-term energy demands
Easy grid connection: Proximity to infrastructure simplifies integration
Efficient land use: Strategic siting maximizes space and output
Local benefits: Creates value through regional construction, operations, and maintenance

The combination of technical maturity, economic scalability, and local value creation makes onshore wind a vital part of the energy transition. And as renewable technologies evolve, onshore wind will be increasingly complemented by innovations like airborne wind energy — expanding access and filling critical gaps in the global energy mix.

The challenge of onshore wind power

Despite its many advantages, onshore wind power also faces a number of challenges. In densely populated areas, available land can be limited, and new developments may encounter public resistance. Local communities often raise concerns about visual impact, shadow flicker, noise, or environmental compatibility.

Wind conditions also vary significantly between regions, making careful site selection essential. Additionally, permitting procedures — particularly those involving species protection or land-use planning — can be lengthy and may delay project timelines.

New heights for onshore wind with kite technology

The kite system unlocks new opportunities for onshore wind energy — especially where traditional turbines can’t operate. Our innovative kite systems complement conventional wind power by tapping into a previously unused resource: high-altitude wind.

Where ground-based systems face limits — due to space constraints, challenging terrain, remote locations, or lack of grid access — Kite technology steps in. Our airborne technology delivers clean energy in places others can’t reach. Built to current wind energy industry standards, SkySails offers a proven, flexible solution for achieving true energy independence — from the ground up to the sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the advantages of high-altitude wind?

High-altitude wind is strong, steady, and available almost everywhere — including places where other renewable sources fall short. With its consistent and widespread availability, it offers enormous potential to accelerate the global energy transition.

SkySails’ kite systems unlock that potential. Compact and flexible, they can be deployed in remote, off-grid, or weather-challenged regions — bringing clean, reliable power to areas that were previously out of reach.

Q2: What makes SkySails Power’s kite systems unique?

SkySails’ systems are compact, flexible, and easy to deploy — no heavy foundations or specialized infrastructure needed. They generate clean electricity with minimal materials and environmental impact. Thanks to their decentralized design, the systems are ideal for a wide range of applications — from remote islands and off-grid communities to industrial sites and hybrid energy setups.

Q3: How much power do SkySails airborne power systems generate?

Up to 760 MWh/a (Venyo) / 1780 MWh (Kyo), depending on site and wind conditions. Thanks to their continuous operation and high efficiency, SkySails systems are a powerful option for hybrid and off-grid energy solutions.