How high-altitude kites generate grid-ready power

Tethered high-altitude kites, known as airborne wind energy systems (AWES), are emerging from experimental stages into serious renewable energy development, especially in Europe and the U.S. These systems harness stronger and more consistent winds hundreds of meters above ground by flying kites in controlled crosswind patterns. The kites generate mechanical energy via tether tension and a ground-based winch, which is then converted into electricity. This approach uses significantly less material and avoids large concrete foundations typical of traditional wind turbines, offering a potentially lighter, faster-to-deploy, and more efficient alternative. However, the main technical challenge remains achieving reliable autonomous control to maintain stable power output compatible with grid demands. The key advantage of AWES lies in accessing higher-altitude winds, which are faster and steadier than near-surface winds, thereby improving capacity factors compared to conventional turbines. The most common operational mode, the pumping cycle, involves the kite flying figure-eight patterns to maximize tether tension during energy generation and then reeling