A Chinese company has successfully tested the world's first megawatt-class airborne wind turbine platform, capable of generating electricity directly for the grid. The trial involved a drone-like airship equipped with 24 blades, rising to 2 kilometers in height. The test flight occurred near Yibin in Sichuan Province.
In a breakthrough for renewable energy, a Chinese firm conducted the first test of an innovative airborne wind turbine system. This megawatt-class platform, described as a drone-like airship with 24 blades, is designed to harness wind at high altitudes and feed power straight into the electrical grid.
The S2000 model, as it is known, ascended to 2 kilometers during the trial, demonstrating its potential to generate up to 3 megawatts of electricity. This tethered turbine represents a novel approach to wind energy, potentially capturing stronger and more consistent winds above ground level.
The test flight took place near Yibin, a city in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on a date not specified in reports but highlighted in recent coverage. This development underscores China's ongoing investments in advanced clean energy technologies, aiming to enhance grid stability and efficiency.
While details on the exact firm and full performance metrics remain limited, the successful flight marks a milestone in airborne wind power, which could expand renewable sources in regions with variable terrain.