Located in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland, a pioneering renewable energy project is underway, showcasing the potential of Airborne Wind Energy (AWE). Established by RWE in partnership with Kitepower and supported by Interreg North-West Europe, the site launched its inaugural flight in September 2023. Serving as a dedicated hub for AWE, this space marks a crucial step in the development of renewable energy, allowing developers to test and enhance their systems in real-world conditions.
Originally built under the MegaAWE initiative, the site now hosts Kitepower’s K-BESS (Kite-Powered Battery Energy Storage System) demonstration as part of the DEM-AWE collaboration. This mobile solution has transformative potential, extending renewable energy access to remote and off-grid locations like islands, and offering a cleaner alternative for industries like construction and agriculture, which currently depend on diesel-powered generators.
The ongoing DEM-AWE collaboration, launched in February 2024, brings Kitepower’s cutting-edge K-BESS to the forefront. This mobile, sustainable energy solution is designed to charge a 400kWh battery in 10 hours, showcasing the efficiency and versatility of AWE technology. Over an 18-month demonstration, Kitepower is gathering data to optimise the K-BESS system, paving the way for cleaner energy sources in off-grid or challenging locations like small islands, construction sites, and agricultural operations that currently rely on diesel generators.
The Bangor Erris test site is not only a hub for technological advancement, it´s a center of community engagement. Since early 2024, Kitepower has onboarded two local hires, with a third who just joined in October, reducing the need for external workers. The team has established a steady rhythm of operations, averaging two flights per week, with some of them occasionally extending for four consecutive days, focusing on enhancing endurance and power output.
Community outreach remains as a key priority since a recent open day allowed local residents, including students from a nearby school, to visit the site, learn about AWE, and see this pioneering technology in action.
The selection of County Mayo as the base for this project came after a global search for an ideal site to develop AWE technology. The hub underwent two years of rigorous environmental studies to mitigate its ecological impact and align with regulatory standards. Kitepower also set a precedent for international collaboration by securing a cross-border permit for unmanned aircraft systems and temporary restricted airspace, reflecting the EU’s commitment to streamlined cross-country regulation.
Notably, Ireland’s geography as an island nation amplifies the potential of AWE, especially in remote locations where traditional grid connections are limited. Recently, the DEM-AWE team even visited a small island off the coast of County Mayo to explore the feasibility of introducing an AWE system for local power generation, proven that AWE can perfectly match with isolated communities.
The DEM-AWE project will be represented at the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Annual Event on November 5-6, 2024, at Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium. This event promises a wealth of insights, offering an opportunity to share updates on K-BESS development and explore pathways for AWE’s market readiness. Attendees from diverse backgrounds will gather to discover successful NWE collaborations, engage in project development discussions, and shape the future of Interreg funding.
As AWE operations continue in Bangor Erris, the DEM-AWE project stands at the frontline of sustainable energy solutions in Europe, with promising potential for broader application in remote regions, rural areas, and islands. This project not only drives the journey towards a greener future, but also strengthens the local community by fostering job creation, skill development, and sustainable energy dialogue in County Mayo. The future of wind energy is taking flight in Ireland.
