Brussels / Delft 30 November 2023- In a significant stride toward reshaping off-grid energy solutions, Kitepower, the Dutch innovator in wind energy harnessing using kites, proudly announces its selection for the inaugural group of the NATO DIANA Accelerator Programme. This endorsement reinforces Kitepower’s commitment to advancing off-grid energy through the recently announced pioneering Kite-powered Battery Energy Storage System (Kite BESS) Hawk.

Johannes Peschel, CEO, and co-founder of Kitepower, expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We are extremely proud to be part of the inaugural group of the NATO Diana Accelerator. It shows clear support for our aim to revolutionize off-grid energy with the first renewable energy solution that is also mobile. Access to the network, expertise and test locations of NATO allows us to further validate our Kite-powered Battery Energy Storage System, or Kite BESS, for deployments in a remote dual-use setting.”

NATO DIANA was launched in 2023 and aims to bring start-ups together with operational end users, scientists, and systems integrators to advance compelling deep tech with dual-use solutions for the Alliance. It leverages a network of more than 10 affiliated accelerator sites and nearly 90 test centers. Kitepower will be supported by the Takeoff DIANA Accelerator in Turin (Italy) focused on the aerospace and advanced hardware sectors. The project will support kite design, modeling and control  improvements as well as demonstration of operational robustness of the Kitepower Hawk. Following the project, Kitepower plans to productize and scale up the solution to a remarkable 1 MWh storage and 100 kW power, further solidifying its position as a leader in the mobile renewable energy sector.

The recently announced Kitepower Hawk is set to revolutionize off-grid energy by introducing the world’s premier mobile renewable energy solution. The ground-breaking system seamlessly integrates a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a kite for in-situ charging, providing a clean, independent, and cost-effective alternative to conventional mobile diesel generators. It opens new avenues for deploying renewable energy in markets where temporary power or mobile energy storage is essential.

Tackling Energy Challenges in Remote Settings

In remote or challenging-to-access settings, energy supply often relies on diesel generators, presenting operational challenges, high costs, and substantial CO2 emissions. Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) offer an alternative but require frequent recharging, typically using energy from fossil fuels. Kitepower’s kite system, connected in-situ to a battery energy storage, presents a solution that addresses these challenges. The Kite-powered BESS is cost-effective, using 80% fewer materials than alternative renewables, ensuring minimal installation effort, and requiring only occasional consumable resupply. The system is largely autonomous and can be operated by two people, making it a reliable and efficient choice for remote or temporary settings.

The Airborne Wind Energy technology employed by Kitepower represents a breakthrough, boasting an 80% reduction in material usage compared to conventional wind energy. The scalability of the technology to at least 10 MW and its potential for fully automated rigid-winged drones as kites highlight the immense possibilities in the renewable energy landscape. Kitepower, closely following its go-to-market roadmap, has demonstrated a 60m2 prototype in Aruba, showcasing the efficiency and scalability of its concept.