China’s Airborne Wind Turbine Breakthrough

China has achieved a major renewable energy breakthrough by successfully testing the S1500, the world’s largest airborne wind turbine. Generating one megawatt of power, the helium-filled turbine floats at high altitudes to harness stronger winds, cutting material use by 40% and costs by 30%. Developed by Sawes Energy, it offers versatile deployment in remote areas. With mass production set for 2026, this innovation could revolutionize global clean energy solutions.

China has achieved a remarkable milestone in renewable energy by successfully testing the world’s largest and most powerful airborne wind turbine. This groundbreaking innovation could significantly reduce the cost of clean energy while enhancing its reliability, solidifying the nation’s leadership in the global transition to greener energy solutions.

Between September 19 and 21, the S1500—a massive airship-like turbine roughly the size of a basketball court and as tall as a 13-story building—became the first airborne wind turbine to generate one megawatt of power. The test flight took place in the desert of the Xinjiang region in western China. During this trial, engineers assembled the turbine under challenging desert conditions, conducted rigorous pressure checks, and managed its launch and retrieval in strong winds, both during the day and at night. According to Sawes Energy Technology, the Beijing-based start-up behind the project, every objective for the test was successfully met.

Dun Tianrui, the CEO and chief designer of Sawes Energy, hailed the achievement as a pivotal step toward commercializing airborne wind power. Dun shared that additional tests would follow across various regions and environments in China. The company plans to commence mass production by 2026, with the first systems expected to connect to the power grid that same year.

“Our mission is to position airborne wind energy as a cornerstone of affordable, sustainable energy and to offer a Chinese solution to the global energy transition,” Dun stated.

How Airborne Wind Turbines Work

Unlike traditional wind turbines, which stand tall on steel towers, airborne turbines are designed to float. Helium-filled shells lift the generators high into the atmosphere, where they can capture the stronger, more consistent winds found thousands of meters above ground. The energy generated is transmitted back to the surface via reinforced cables.

This unique approach offers several advantages. By eliminating the need for hefty steel towers, airborne turbines reduce material requirements by about 40% and slash electricity production costs by 30%. They also boast exceptional versatility, as they can be quickly relocated to remote or harsh environments like deserts, islands, mining sites, or disaster zones. In emergencies, these systems can be deployed within hours, acting as a massive flying "power bank" for areas disconnected from the grid.

A Decades-Old Concept Reimagined

The idea of harvesting wind energy from high altitudes has been studied since the 1970s, with early experiments conducted in the United States and Europe. Although more than 50 companies worldwide are currently exploring airborne wind power, previous attempts were limited in scale. For years, the highest recorded altitude for such systems was about 300 meters (1,000 feet), with a maximum output of 30 kilowatts, achieved by Altaeros Energies, a company originating from MIT.

Sawes Energy’s journey began in 2018, sparked by a conversation between Dun Tianrui and his former high school classmate, Weng Hanke. At the time, Weng was researching atmospheric physics and remote sensing at the University of Science and Technology of China. His studies revealed that upper-atmosphere winds were stronger, more consistent, and far more abundant than surface-level winds, making them a promising source of cost-effective clean energy.

The venture started modestly, with a team of just seven people experimenting with different designs for airborne energy systems. They ultimately settled on helium-filled platforms, refining their concept with guidance from experts in aerostat technology. Despite initial doubts about the feasibility of commercialization, the team’s fortunes changed in 2023 when China prioritized high-altitude wind energy in its national energy strategy. This policy shift brought in substantial investment, enabling the team to tackle major technical challenges.

Collaborating with researchers from Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the team solved critical issues such as stabilizing the airborne platform, creating lightweight generators, and transmitting high-voltage electricity from altitudes exceeding 1,000 meters. In October 2024, their S500 system reached 500 meters and generated 50 kilowatts, surpassing MIT’s record. By January 2025, the larger S1000 model climbed to 1,000 meters and produced over 100 kilowatts, setting a new global benchmark for airborne wind power.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these breakthroughs, experts caution that significant challenges remain before airborne wind turbines can be scaled for widespread use. According to Beijing Daily, further research is needed to ensure safe operation in extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons and thunderstorms. Moreover, the technology must become more cost-competitive with conventional energy sources like coal.

The team at Sawes Energy is already looking ahead to the next generation of airborne systems. Their goal is to lower electricity costs to less than 0.1 yuan (approximately $0.01) per kilowatt-hour. Achieving this ambitious target will require advances in materials science and further optimization of the manufacturing process.

The successful test of the S1500 marks a significant leap forward in the development of airborne wind power. If the technology can overcome remaining hurdles, it has the potential to revolutionize renewable energy by providing a cost-effective, adaptable, and sustainable solution for regions worldwide. As China continues to push the boundaries of innovation in clean energy, the world may soon see airborne wind turbines as a critical component of the global energy landscape.