A Crazy Idea: Makani's Self-Flying Energy Kite

ARPA-E funded Makani in 2010 to advance the design of their energy kite, enabling autonomous flight and access to stronger, more consistent winds. The Makani team eventually partnered with Google X to continue their work and move their kite toward commercialization. Makani has since scaled their prototype to a 600 kW unit that spans nearly 100 feet in length and is pursuing offshore wind in a partnership with Shell.