As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, innovative technologies are emerging to capture untapped energy resources. SkySails Power has developed a high-altitude wind energy system called KYO, designed to generate electricity using autonomous power kites that harvest strong and consistent winds hundreds of meters above the ground. The system represents a new generation of airborne wind energy technology aimed at delivering clean electricity in locations where conventional wind turbines or grid infrastructure are difficult to deploy.
The KYO system is engineered to harness high-altitude wind resources through a tethered kite that converts aerodynamic forces into electrical power. Unlike traditional wind turbines that rely on tower-mounted rotors, KYO uses a large kite flying at altitudes of up to around 700 meters, where wind speeds are typically stronger and more stable. The airborne kite is connected to a ground station through a high-strength tether that transfers the mechanical force generated by the kite’s motion. As the kite pulls the tether outward, the movement drives a winch connected to a generator inside the ground station, converting the mechanical energy into electricity.
During operation, the kite follows a controlled flight path, typically a figure-eight trajectory, to maximize the aerodynamic lift and tension on the tether. This “power phase” produces electricity as the tether unwinds from the winch. Once the tether reaches its maximum length, the system enters a return phase where the kite is reeled back with minimal energy consumption, after which the cycle repeats continuously to generate power.
The KYO system is designed for industrial and high-energy-demand applications, delivering a rated cycle power of up to 450 kW and an annual energy output of up to 1,780 MWh, depending on site conditions. This level of generation can supply electricity equivalent to the annual demand of roughly 600 households. The kite itself can have a wing surface area of up to 450 m², allowing it to capture significant aerodynamic force from high-altitude winds.
A key advantage of the technology lies in its compact and modular architecture. The entire ground station—including the generator, gearbox, control cabinets, power electronics, and energy storage components—is integrated into two standard 40-foot containers, allowing the system to be transported and deployed rapidly without the need for large foundations or extensive civil construction. This containerized design also makes it suitable for remote installations, islands, or temporary energy projects.
The KYO platform consists of several integrated subsystems that enable autonomous and reliable operation. These include the high-performance kite made from advanced textile materials, a control pod containing sensors and autopilot systems for flight stabilization, a high-strength HMPE tether linking the kite to the ground station, and a launch-and-landing system that safely deploys and retrieves the kite. The ground station incorporates the power generation unit, grid connection module, and control electronics responsible for converting and managing the generated electricity.
The system is designed for decentralized energy supply, particularly in areas where conventional wind turbines face logistical or environmental constraints. Its modular architecture allows multiple units to be deployed for larger power requirements, while its hybrid capability enables integration with existing diesel generators or solar installations. This flexibility supports energy resilience and helps reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based generation in off-grid or weak-grid environments.
Another significant benefit of airborne wind systems is the reduced material footprint compared with traditional wind turbines. Because the energy-generating structure is airborne rather than tower-mounted, the system requires far less steel and concrete. This lightweight design reduces installation complexity while enabling deployment in regions where land availability or infrastructure limitations prevent the installation of large wind turbines.
The technology aims to deliver competitive renewable energy generation with a target levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) below €0.10 per kWh, making it attractive for industrial operators and remote communities seeking reliable, low-carbon electricity. By exploiting high-altitude wind resources that are often stronger and more consistent than surface winds, airborne wind energy systems like KYO can achieve higher capacity factors and more stable power generation.
The KYO system builds upon the company’s earlier airborne wind platform, the Venyo (PN-14), which was designed for smaller off-grid applications. With increased power output and scalability, KYO targets larger industrial energy projects and decentralized renewable energy deployments worldwide.
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About SkySails Power
SkySails Power is a Germany-based renewable energy technology company specializing in airborne wind energy systems. The company develops automated kite-based power generation technologies that harness high-altitude wind resources to produce electricity with minimal land use and material requirements. SkySails provides scalable and decentralized renewable energy solutions for industrial sites, remote regions, and hybrid energy systems.
