The DEM-AWE (Demonstrating Mobile Airborne Wind Energy) project has successfully come to an end, marking a significant step forward in the development and deployment of mobile AWE systems. As a natural successor to the MegaAWE project, DEM-AWE enabled critical testing and refinement of Kitepower’s first product, the K-BESS (Kite-Battery Energy Storage System), pushing the system closer to commercial readiness.

Testing in Ireland strengthens system performance

The project’s testing campaign was conducted at the RWE Airborne Wind Energy dedicated test site in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland, and proved to be a pivotal phase in validating the system under challenging conditions. The demanding environment on the West Coast of Ireland allowed the team to test system resilience, control algorithms, and operational procedures. These trials contributed directly to improving the robustness and reliability of the solution, which was designed for mobile, and off-grid deployment.

Battery integration and pilot deployment in the Netherlands

Earlier this year, Kitepower integrated an external battery system from Greener Power Solutions, a key technology partner. This implementation and initial testing were conducted in Bangor Erris as part of the system’s testing phase before deployment at Kitepower’s commercial site.

Following validation, the complete system was deployed during a pilot project in the Netherlands with construction company Dura Vermeer, where it was tested to power electric excavators and trucks, showcasing how Airborne Wind Energy can contribute directly to sustainable, large-scale construction operations such as a riverbank renovation.

The Consortium behind DEM-AWE

The DEM-AWE project (funded by Interreg North-West Europe) was made possible by a dedicated consortium of partners:

• Airborne Wind Europe – Project leader, responsible for policy coordination, sector engagement, and communications
  
• Laminak Energy – Commercialization support and project management
  
• Mayo County Council – Stakeholder engagement and permitting

Special thanks are extended to RWE for supporting the project and for enabling the critical testing campaign in Ireland with the integrated battery. 

Powering the future of EU Islands

As DEM-AWE concludes, Kitepower is turning its focus to new opportunities, particularly in supporting EU island communities in their efforts to decarbonize. Many of these regions rely on diesel imports and face high energy costs. The knowledge and experience gained through DEM-AWE will now be applied to demonstrate how Kitepower’s mobile AWE systems can offer reliable, clean, and locally generated energy for remote and isolated grids.

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Expanding Renewable Energy

The DEM-AWE project will use airborne wind energy (AWE) to power a mobile battery storage system. This innovative approach has the potential to provide renewable energy to places that are hard to reach, like islands and rural areas, as well as to industries like construction and agriculture.

Partnership and Support

The DEM-AWE project is supported by the Interreg North-West Europe programme and includes a group of partners:

• Kitepower (Netherlands): The developer of the K-BESS technology.
• Airborne Wind Europe: An organization promoting airborne wind energy.
• BlueWise Marine (Ireland): Providing local expertise and support.
• Laminak Energy (France): Offering market analysis and consultancy.
• Mayo County Council (Ireland): Engaging with the local community.

How It Works

Over the next 12 months, Kitepower will lead the demonstration of the K-BESS system and continue its development of the Hawk. This pre-commercial demonstrator can charge a 400kWh battery in 10 hours, providing a reliable source of renewable energy. The trial will collect important data and feedback to help improve the technology.

Planning for the Future

BlueWise Marine and Laminak Energy will use the results from the demonstration to create a plan for introducing K-BESS and other airborne wind energy systems to the market in northwestern Europe. This will include using GIS models to identify the best locations for these technologies.

Airborne Wind Europe will share the demonstration results and work to include K-BESS in regional energy plans. Mayo County Council will help engage the local community, ensuring they understand and support this new technology.

The DEM-AWE project is a major step towards meeting Europe’s energy goals. By bringing renewable energy to more places and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Kitepower and its partners are helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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