Airborne Wind Europe, the association of European Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) sector, was established in 2018 and serves as a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders, including technology developers, policy makers, research institutes, utilities, and investors. As one of the leading developers of airborne wind energy systems (AWES), Kitepower has become a leading member to help accelerate the growth of AWE technology. Johannes Peschel, Kitepower CEO, serves as Vice Chairman of the Board.  

Kitepower Founder CEO, Johannes Peschel affirms: “Addressing the need for policy and regulatory frameworks, Airborne Wind Europe has taken proactive measures to map out relevant policies and regulations across European countries. Recognising the importance of environmental and social considerations, the association actively investigates solutions to mitigate potential impacts, such as effects on wildlife, visual aesthetics, sound emissions, and public acceptance. This comprehensive approach ensures the responsible and sustainable development of AWE systems.”

Airborne Wind Europe actively participates in strategic initiatives to foster the development of the AWE sector. As a partner in the Horizon Europe project JustWind4All, the association focuses on developing best practices for citizen engagement in wind projects, including AWE. Additionally, the MegaAWE project and IEA Wind Task 48 (WP4) address Airspace Integration, Safety, Life Cycle Analyses and Social Acceptance issues related to AWE technology. These efforts underscore the commitment of Airborne Wind Europe in addressing environmental and social concerns associated with the deployment of AWES.

Safety is a paramount concern in the AWE sector, and Airborne Wind Europe is dedicated to addressing safety-related aspects across all components and operations of AWES. The association has developed technical guidelines that cover crucial areas such as kite and tether safety, ground station safety, noise emissions, and power curves. By bringing together experts from the energy and aviation fields, Airborne Wind Europe has established best practices and guidelines tailored to the unique challenges of the AWE industry. This collaboration ensures airspace integration, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) regulations, and mitigates aviation-related risks.

As a member of Airborne Wind Europe, Kitepower plays an integral role in the development and promotion of AWE technology. The company’s CEO, Johannes Peschel, holds the position of Vice Chairman within the association, bringing extensive experience in renewable energy, innovation, and strategic management. Roland Schmehl, Co-founder and Advisor of Kitepower, represents the Technical University of Delft as a board member of Airborne Wind Europe. Schmehl’s expertise in AWE as the head of TU Delft’s AWE research group contributes significantly to the advancement of the sector.

Membership in Airborne Wind Europe provides Kitepower with valuable opportunities to collaborate with industry stakeholders, exchange knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the development of policies and regulations specifically for airborne wind energy systems. By working collectively, Kitepower and other industry leaders strive to accelerate the growth of the AWE industry and create a sustainable and energy-independent future. Kitepower’s active involvement in Airborne Wind Europe positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of the AWE industry.

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