Researchers say the airborne system could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing stronger winds thousands of metres above the ground.
China is advancing its renewable energy ambitions with the successful testing of a new generation of high-altitude floating wind turbines designed to capture stronger and more consistent winds far above ground level.
The project, known as Stratospheric Airborne Wind Energy Systems (SAWES), is being developed through a collaboration involving Tsinghua University, Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Co. Ltd. and several research institutions. The technology uses helium-filled aerostats equipped with multiple turbines that transmit electricity to the ground through tethered cables.
The latest prototype, the SAWES Type S2000, recently completed a test flight in Yibin, Sichuan Province, where it operated at an altitude of 2,000 metres before successfully supplying electricity to the power grid.
According to the developers, the airborne system generated 385 kilowatt-hours of electricity during the trial, enough to power an average household for nearly two weeks.
The S2000 measures about 60 metres in length and 40 metres in height and width. It carries 12 turbines with a combined generating capacity of three megawatts, making it one of the largest airborne wind energy systems developed to date.
Researchers say the technology offers several environmental advantages over conventional wind farms. The floating turbines require significantly fewer construction materials, eliminate the need for massive concrete foundations and minimise disruption to surrounding ecosystems.
The system is also designed to reduce noise pollution and visual impact while posing fewer risks to birds because of its operating altitude.
One of the first planned applications is on an island in Guangdong Province, where environmental restrictions and limited land make conventional wind turbines difficult to install.
The project also incorporates artificial intelligence and atmospheric modelling, allowing the airborne platform to automatically adjust its altitude in search of the strongest wind currents. Developers believe this feature could improve electricity generation compared with traditional turbines fixed at ground level.
In the short term, the technology is expected to provide power for remote communities, disaster relief operations and off-grid locations. Developers also see future applications in industrial power supply and integration into national electricity grids.
China has emerged as the global leader in wind energy development. According to the International Energy Agency, the country accounted for roughly two-thirds of new global wind power capacity added in 2023. The agency estimates that worldwide wind energy capacity must expand rapidly over the coming years to support global net-zero emissions targets.
Despite the project’s progress, independent experts say additional testing is required before the technology can be deployed commercially.
Researchers note that the behaviour of wind at extreme altitudes remains complex, while questions also remain about the long-term performance of the tethering system and overall power generation efficiency.
Commercial deployment will also depend on compliance with aviation regulations and electricity grid standards in different countries.
The development team is already preparing the next generation of prototypes, which are expected to undergo longer-duration tests at higher altitudes later this year as engineers continue refining the technology for large-scale commercial use.
