China tests world’s largest energy kite

November 14, 2025

China has completed successful flight trials of the world’s largest electricity-producing kite, marking a major advancement in high-altitude wind energy technology.

According to China Media Group (CMG), the test was conducted in Alxa Left Banner, located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The massive kite—spanning 5,000 square meters (53,800 square feet)—is a key component of China’s first national research project dedicated to harvesting wind power from higher atmospheric layers.

A major step forward for China’s clean energy strategy

Developed by China Energy Engineering Corporation under a national innovation program, the system achieved full airborne deployment and retraction during the demonstration. CMG reports that this success pushes China closer to large-scale engineering and commercial application of high-altitude wind power.

During the trial, a helium balloon lifted the kite approximately 300 meters (984 feet) into the air. Once aloft, the kite expanded and began pulling traction cables linked to a ground-based generator, turning strong upper-level winds into electricity.

Unlike standard wind turbines that rely on heavy towers, blades, and nacelles, this “ladder-type” technology uses airborne elements combined with cables and a ground station. The design works much like a giant kite engineered to capture powerful, more stable winds found far above typical turbine heights.

How high-altitude wind power systems operate

High-altitude wind energy is considered one of the most promising next-generation renewable power sources due to faster wind speeds, consistent airflow, and higher energy density at elevation.

Globally, there are two primary technological approaches:

• Airborne systems: small turbines or energy-harvesting devices mounted on drones or flying platforms

• Ground-based kite systems: large kites or canopies that pull ground generators—like China’s newly tested model

During the recent trials, engineers also tested smaller 1,200-square-meter (12,900-square-foot) kites. These tests successfully validated deployment, controlled retraction, and the stability of power conversion.

Cao Lun, chief director of the kite-deployment experiment, explained: “We have completed the first deployment test of the world’s largest power-generation kite and collected valuable data. This provides a scientific foundation for system design and the development of future equipment standards.”

High efficiency, low cost, and reduced environmental impact

Compared with traditional onshore wind turbines, high-altitude kite systems offer striking advantages:

• Up to 95% less land usage

• Up to 90% less steel required

• Roughly 30% lower electricity generation costs

A single 10-megawatt kite-based system could generate an estimated 20 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough to supply power to roughly 10,000 households.

Because these systems rely on lightweight components instead of heavy infrastructure, they significantly reduce environmental disturbance and resource consumption. The strong, stable winds at higher altitudes also enable more consistent and efficient power generation.

Looking ahead, Huo Shaolei, senior technical expert at China Power Engineering Consulting Group Limited, noted: “We will carry out multi-kite flight demonstrations and aim to begin power-generation trials by the end of next year.”