A floating power station? China’s flying wind turbine hits milestone with grid-connected test

China has successfully tested the world’s first megawatt-class high-altitude wind power system designed for urban deployment. The S2000 Stratosphere Airborne Wind Energy System (SAWES) flew at an altitude of 2,000 metres in Sichuan Province, generating electricity and connecting to the power grid, a world first for a high-altitude wind power device. The system combines an airship platform with wind turbines to capture stronger, more stable winds high above the ground. During the test flight, the S2000 generated 385 kilowatt-hours of electricity and can also support communications and monitoring equipment. Although still in the test phase, it could one day be the future of wind power in cities.