Low Cost — 50% less expensive
The improved low wind performance and reduced material intensity of the Makani AWT lowers the cost of energy by up to 50% at most on and offshore locations.
High Performance — 50% more energy
The entire span of the Makani AWT operates at the tip speed of a conventional turbine giving it better low wind performance. This means it delivers approximately 50% more energy than a conventional turbine of the same rated power, and that the energy is delivered more consistently.
Scalable — 10% of the mass
By virtue of the tensile design and the absence of a tower, hub, nacelle, or gearbox, the AWT is less than 10% of the mass of a conventional turbine and a fraction of the size. This reduces manufacture, transportation and installation costs along with reducing the infrastructure required for on-site maintenance.
Abundant — 4x the available onshore resource
The AWT can access strong winds in more locations because of its flight altitude. In the continental United States alone the AWT can economically access 69% of the landmass, this is over four times the area available to conventional wind.
Globally, the best wind resources are offshore, much of it in water too deep for conventional turbines to economically access. The offshore resource in the U.S. alone is estimated to be more than 4 TW, with over 75% located in water over 30 meters deep. The lightweight floating foundation of the Makani AWT can cost effectively access intermediate depths between 30-90 meters and extend into deeper waters.
Low Impact — Reduced environmental effect
The AWT can be placed away from environmentally sensitive locations because it can economically access more locations, increasing siting flexibility. Additionally, by flying at higher altitudes, AWTs will have a reduced impact on avian life.
The AWT’s deep water offshore potential will allow it to generate power beyond sight of land, eliminating aesthetic concerns, while still providing power to the coastal population centers.
