The flying power station
Uwe Ahrens aims at an energy revolution using sport kites.
Air power. Most people associate kitesurfing with sport and fun. Uwe Ahrens sees the sport (or traction) kite in a different light: as an energy revolution. His company, NTS Energie- und Transportsysteme GmbH, uses kites in power plants that harness high altitude winds. Driven by the wind at up to 500 metres above the ground, these kites pull a vehicle on rails. This vehicle in turn generates electricity via a generator which is comparatively low priced, according to Ahrens. He anticipates a price per kilowatt hour of three to five cents.