The Next Plan for Drones? Tethered Aircraft Generating Power
- Utility to build and operate test project in Ireland
- Airborne wind energy also being tested by Alphabet Inc.
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Technology that uses flying drones to generate electricity from the wind is getting a boost from the Germany utility EON SE, which is backing a test project that may show if it can help cut the costs of producing power offshore.
The machines stay airborne like kites to tap the energy of high-altitude wind currents. The force of the wind would push forward the drones, which would tug at a cable anchored to drive a power turbine. The technology still is in its early stages, with a handful of pilot projects around the world, including one bought up by Alphabet Inc. in 2013.