Cutting emissions on construction sites is becoming more urgent, especially in island and remote regions where access to clean electricity remains a major challenge. In many islands, grid infrastructure is limited, connections can be slow or costly to expand, and power supply is often constrained. Early pilot projects are now showing how airborne wind energy (AWE) could offer a practical alternative.
Kitepower, a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, has developed a mobile system that generates electricity using tethered kites flying at higher altitudes, where the wind is stronger and more consistent than at ground level. This is particularly relevant for islands, where wind resources are often abundant but not always fully accessible with conventional technologies. By tapping into these high-altitude winds, the system can produce renewable electricity in locations where traditional solutions are limited or unavailable.
The system is designed to be simple, compact, and flexible. It fits inside a standard 20-foot container, can be set up in about an hour, and stores the electricity it produces in a battery. This enables construction sites to access power when they need it, without relying on grid connections or diesel generators. For islands, where logistics and space can be constrained, this mobility and ease of deployment are key advantages.
Since 2025, the system has been tested at two construction sites in the Netherlands. The first pilot was carried out with Dura Vermeer on the Mekante Diek project, followed by a second pilot with Mobilis TBI on the Groene Warden project. While these demonstrations took place on the mainland, they provide valuable insights into how the technology could be deployed in island contexts under real working conditions.
In both cases, the system was able to supply clean electricity directly on-site. This reduced the need for diesel generators and helped lower emissions such as CO₂ and NOx. For islands, where diesel-based generation is still common and costly, this represents a significant opportunity to cut emissions, reduce fuel imports, and improve energy independence. Beyond the technical results, the pilots also provided practical insights into permitting processes, logistics, and how the system can be integrated into everyday construction work without disrupting operations.
These results come at a critical moment. Many island construction sites are temporary, remote, or difficult to connect to existing grids, making fixed infrastructure less viable. At the same time, islands are often at the forefront of the energy transition, with strong ambitions to decarbonise and increase the share of renewables. This creates a clear need for flexible, and mobile energy solutions that can be deployed quickly and operate independently.
This technology is especially relevant as Europe navigates the pressures of global energy markets. Developed and built in Europe, it strengthens the continent’s energy sovereignty and resilience, while contributing to a cleaner, and more sustainable future.
The pilots mark the first real-world demonstrations of airborne wind energy in the construction sector. They show how mobile, and off-grid renewable systems can help solve practical energy challenges on-site, particularly in island environments.
By enabling clean, and flexible power generation where it is needed most, AWE can support both construction activities and broader energy transition goals. Further deployments are expected to build on these results and explore the system’s potential across a wider range of island and remote conditions.
