Description

High altitude winds have the potential to provide a reliable and a consistent source of power. Based on the wind velocity assessments it has been found that the increase in wind velocity with altitude is proportional to the seventh root of increase in altitude. This implies that at altitudes where the wind velocity is double that of the velocity at an altitude of 100 meters, it would generate power which would be equal to the cube of the power generated at 100 meters. To harness this power, so far untapped, we require technology that is very flexible yet strong. Innovators, predominantly from Europe and America, have started creating technologies and prototypes to harness this power, both in mechanical and electrical forms. While still in infancy, this concept has garnered the attention of industry heavyweights, for example Google and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have invested in start-ups.

This research service gives a snapshot of the technology landscape, the industry value chain and the future outlook. Some key patents and contact details of key industry participants are also given.