Delft, Netherlands/Bordeaux, France, 10 September 2024 – Kitepower, a pioneering Dutch company in airborne wind energy, and Beyond the Sea, a French startup specialising in marine propulsion systems, are pleased to announce the renewal and expansion of their groundbreaking partnership. Following the success of their initial collaboration in 2023, the two companies are launching a new, ambitious project aimed at revolutionising kite design, simulation, characterisation, and control.

A strengthened alliance for innovation

This renewed partnership, extending through June 2027, will operate across both the Netherlands and France, with a key focus on advancing modelling, simulation, and the development of a unified simulation platform. By combining their expertise and innovative approaches, Kitepower and Beyond the Sea aim to deliver cutting-edge kite designs that significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of energy generation and marine propulsion systems.

Key areas of collaboration

The collaboration will target three strategic areas: advanced kite design and development, academic research, and system modelling & mechatronics. This joint effort is expected to significantly elevate the technological capabilities of both companies, positioning them as leaders in the field. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of detailed plans and construction methodologies for kites and their bridles. Jointly developed simulation algorithms will refine kite design processes, and innovative methods, sensors, and algorithms will validate and enhance kite performance. Continuous sharing of experimental data will drive this iterative process.

Leadership Perspectives

Johannes Peschel, CEO of Kitepower, underscored the importance of this collaboration: “Renewing and expanding our partnership with Beyond the Sea is a major milestone in our mission to transform airborne wind energy. Our initial collaboration was highly successful, and we are excited to deepen our cooperation by aligning our software and simulation platforms, coordinating research activities, and synchronising the work of our PhD students with Beyond the Sea’s research team.”

Yves Parlier, CEO of Beyond the Sea, highlighted the synergy between the two companies: “This partnership showcases the powerful collaboration between our teams. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are setting new standards for innovation and sustainability in kite technology. Together, we are poised to deliver groundbreaking advancements that will redefine the future of kite applications.”

About Beyond the Sea

Beyond the Sea, created by Yves Parlier, develops and commercialises kite traction systems able to deliver part or all of the energy needed to propel a ship depending on the navigation area, the performance and the characteristics of the boat. The company aims to answer the problem of energy dependence of shipowners with a goal to decarbonise maritime transport. The company has developed SeaKite, a fully automated kite traction system, to reduce the emissions of the equipped vessel. Connected to the boat by its lines, SeaKite pilots itself automatically and can fly statically or dynamically depending on the desired traction force. The kite can be used alone or in addition to another mode of propulsion. Currently available in several different sizes, the system adapts to all types of boats.