wiredInUSA March 2019

Image: makanipower.com

Offshore takes to the air

Makani, a wind energy kites developer, is working to adapt its technology to offshore environments in partnership with Royal Dutch Shell plc. Makani will use Shell’s engineering and operational expertise with floating structures to make the transition to offshore, where, Makani believes, the technology could accelerate access to new offshore wind areas.

at water depths greater than 50 meters, Makani’s kites don’t need to be supported by large platforms. Instead, we plan tomount Makani’s kite on a small spar buoy, moored with a synthetic line and gravity anchor.” Over the past five years the firm has developed its concept to a commercial- scale prototype. The result is the 600kW M600 model, with a wingspan of 26m (85.3ft). The partnership with Shell will begin with the testing of a floating offshore system, with demonstrations in Norway later in 2019. Makani already has a test anddemonstration site in Hawaii.

Makani will continue as an independent business.

Makani has created an energy kite that is 90 percent lighter than turbines of a similar power rating. CEOFort Felker explained: “Unlikemost floating offshorewind technologies deployed

wiredInUSA - March 2019

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