Dutch start-up Kitepower is tapping into the revolutionary energy solution of kite-powered battery systems. The company unveiled the Hawk, an automated kite that can feed a big battery independently from the grid. It follows in the footsteps of Enerkite, its German counterpart backed by Volkswagen.

The Hawk is a replacement for diesel generators that meet the energy needs of remote locations. The kite generates 30 kW of electricity stored in a 400 kWh battery. It can also serve as an alternative to power generation in challenging environments where traditional wind turbines and solar installations face obstacles.

Polestar in a potato field

CEO of Kitepower Johannes Peschel said: “The system is a perfect solution for smaller businesses, e.g., in agriculture and construction, looking for a sustainable way to generate electricity. The system is easy to install, can produce day and night, and is highly efficient.”

So, the company targets island communities, remote worksites, and seasonal agriculture. But electric vehicles are also an option, as the team tested the battery system while recharging a Polestar 2 in a potato field.

Learning to fly

The Hawk operates with a cutting-edge and giant kite system that harnesses the power of the wind. The kite is attached to shipping containers housing the big battery by a reel, which can generate 330 kW of peak power. It flies at 350 meters. According to the company, the battery system offers ten hours of energy under normal operations before the kite has to be launched for recharging.

However, deploying the Hawk requires careful consideration of its flight pattern and the need for clear airspace during operation. The system’s effectiveness depends on favorable wind conditions. So, site selection remains crucial for optimal performance.

Made from fiberglass

What sets a kite system apart is the cost-effectiveness of its primary component – the kite itself. Comprising a simple fiberglass skeleton parachute, the kite is an economical and easily replaceable system element.

Compared to the significant expense of an entire wind turbine, needing permits and a foundation while relying extensively on steel sourcing, the kite is a much ‘lighter’ solution with a lower impact on the surroundings. To replace wind turbines damaged during extreme weather events, they can also function as an affordable alternative.

As the electrification of our mobility needs will strain the grid, these independent solutions are highly sought after. Volkswagen stepped into a similar project with German start-up Enerkite. This partnership studies and develops applications for recharging electric vehicles in remote areas. They’re called E-stations.