Wind Power of the Future: Germany’s First Airborne Wind Energy System Successfully Evaluated According to Aviation Law
The project partners SkySails Power, EnBW, EWE OSS, and Leibniz Universität Hannover have successfully tested the operation of an airborne wind energy system employing power kites of up to 120 m² in Schleswig-Holstein.
Germany’s first airborne wind energy system has passed a series of essential tests in Schleswig-Holstein. The pilot unit can now go into continuous operation. The evaluation according to aviation law requirements included the validation of operational and safety concepts for day and nighttime operation.
The pilot unit was constructed as part of the “SkyPower100” project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. SkySails Power GmbH, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, EWE Offshore Service & Solutions GmbH, and Leibniz Universität Hannover are jointly gathering valuable insights into environmental influences, safety aspects, and approval requirements for the development and scaling of future airborne wind energy systems. Specific data includes surveys on noise emissions, avifauna, and air traffic safety.
The power kites used on the pilot unit have a size of up to 120 m². For the realization of the project, a Flight Restriction Area (ED-R) was established for the project location in close cooperation with the Aviation Authority of Schleswig-Holstein, the Federal Ministry of Transport, the surrounding communities, the DRF Luftrettung as well as the air sports association. The experience gained from the ED-R operation is an essential step for the future definition of approval processes of airborne wind energy systems.
