Airborne Wind Turbine Market By Type (Kites, Drones, Balloons (Buoyant Airborne Turbines)); By Application (Onshore Energy Generation, Offshore Energy Generation, Remote Power Supply, Emergency Backup Power); By Component (Turbines, Generators, Airborne Platforms, Control Systems, Tethers); By End-Use Industry (Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Military); By Geography, Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024-2032.

The airborne wind turbine market in 2023 was worth USD 130.23 million and is expected to be worth USD 285.30 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period.

 

The airborne wind turbine market is stimulated by the demand for higher energy efficiency and the opportunity to catch the winds at a greater height where the wind power density is higher than the sea level by 1.5-2.5 times. Airborne wind turbines are different from the traditional ones that are restricted in terms of tower height, whereas Makani’s airborne kite systems can fly at heights of 200-600 meters, thus enabling much greater energy generation.

 

The latest innovation is the Buoyant Airborne Turbine developed by Altaeros for use in remote locations in Alaska, which holds the promise of affordable power generation where conventional means cannot be used. The airborne turbines are also less complicated to install, especially in offshore regions or any difficult terrains, making them cheaper than conventional turbines, which support the shift towards green energy. These advantages are some of the factors that make them a driving force toward global decarbonization and energy diversification.

 

The airborne wind turbine market holds a higher potential in offshore and remote areas where the installation of traditional wind turbines imposes a problem. Airborne wind turbines can be deployed in regions where building tall towers is impractical, and they can harness higher-altitude winds with speeds up to 50% greater than ground-level winds, leading to more efficient energy generation. With the global renewable energy market growing rapidly, this innovative technology opens up vast potential for expanding wind energy capabilities.

 

For example, in recent years, Kite Power Systems (KPS) has successfully tested airborne wind turbines capable of generating 100 kW of power, with plans to scale up to 500 kW systems. These systems are lightweight and more mobile, allowing for quicker deployment in offshore locations or rural electrification projects. Such advancements point to the growing opportunity for airborne wind turbines to meet energy demands in previously inaccessible or cost-prohibitive areas.

 

 

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Kites

• Drones

• Balloons (Buoyant Airborne Turbines)

 

By Application:

• Onshore Energy Generation

• Offshore Energy Generation

• Remote Power Supply

• Emergency Backup Power

 

By Component:

• Turbines

• Generators

• Airborne Platforms

• Control Systems

• Tethers

 

By End-Use Industry:

• Commercial

• Residential

• Industrial

• Military

 

By Region

North America

• US

• Mexico

• Canada

• Rest of North America

 

Europe

• Switzerland

• Russia

• France

• Germany

• U.K

• Finland

• Turkey

• Netherlands

• Belgium

• Spain

• Italy

• Rest of Europe

 

Asia Pacific

• India

• China

• South Korea

• Japan

• Singapore

• Thailand

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Philippines

• Australia

• Rest of Asia-Pacific

 

LAMEA

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Uruguay

• Saudi Arabia

• Rest of LAMEA

 

By Type:

Leading Segment: Kites

Kites dominate the market with a share of approximately 40%, as they are cost-effective & offer high energy efficiency. These systems are particularly popular for small to medium-scale energy requirements near airbornes, where traditional wind turbines are less feasible due to space constraints. For example, Kite Power Systems in the UK has developed innovative kite-based wind energy systems suitable for aviation environments.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Drones

Drones are growing at a CAGR of 14%, driven by their ability to operate at high altitudes with consistent wind speeds. These systems are gaining traction in remote areas or regions with limited wind turbine deployment capacity. For example, Makani (a subsidiary of Alphabet) has demonstrated drones capable of generating significant energy while minimizing land usage.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Onshore Energy Generation

Onshore energy generation holds a significant market share of over 50%, owing to its lower costs & established infrastructure. Airbornes like Denver International in the U.S. have incorporated wind energy into their onshore renewable energy strategies, ensuring steady power supply & cost savings.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Remote Power Supply

Remote power supply applications are expanding at a CAGR of 12%, driven by the need for energy in off-grid airborne facilities. Buoyant Airborne Turbines (BATs) are increasingly used to power radar & communication systems in remote airbornes. For example, Altaeros’ BAT systems are employed in remote regions for their ability to generate consistent power without a fixed base.

 

By Component:

Leading Segment: Turbines

Turbines account for over 40% of the market and are the primary energy generation component. These are widely used in both traditional & innovative airborne systems. Companies like Vestas & Siemens Gamesa are offering turbine solutions which are optimized for airborne-specific energy requirements.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Control Systems

Control systems are witnessing a CAGR of 13%, driven by automation & IoT integration advancements. These systems ensure optimized energy production while maintaining operational safety near airbornes. For example, SmartWind Technologies provides intelligent control systems that manage wind energy operations around sensitive airborne zones.

 

By End-Use Industry:

Leading Segment: Commercial

The commercial segment leads with a market share exceeding 45%, as airbornes focus on sustainability and reducing operational costs. Major international airbornes like Amsterdam Schiphol & San Francisco International, have adopted wind energy solutions to enhance green energy usage.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Military

The military segment is growing at a CAGR of 14% as defense airbornes invest in renewable energy to ensure energy independence & operational reliability. For example, the U.S. Air Force has piloted wind turbine projects in remote bases to power critical operations without relying on traditional grid systems.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds a 35% market share, driven by the presence of advanced technology providers and government incentives promoting renewable energy in airbornes. The U.S. leads the region with initiatives like the FAA's sustainable aviation energy programs encouraging wind energy adoption.

 

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of 15%, fueled by airborne expansion in countries like China and India. The region's governments emphasize renewable energy adoption in their aviation sectors to meet sustainability goals. For instance, Cochin International Airborne in India became the first fully renewable-energy-powered airborne, incorporating wind turbines into its energy mix.

 

Key Players

• Makani Technologies (a former subsidiary of Alphabet/Google)

• Kite Power Systems (KPS)

• Ampyx Power

• Altaeros Energies

• EnerKite GmbH

• Skysails Group GmbH

• Joby Aviation

• TwingTec AG

• Windlift

• Kitemill

 

Airborne Wind Turbine Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 130.23 million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 285.30 million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 10.3%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2023 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, By Application, By Component, By End-Use Industry, By Region
By Type	Kites, Drones, Balloons (Buoyant Airborne Turbines)
By Application	Onshore Energy Generation, Offshore Energy Generation, Remote Power Supply, Emergency Backup Power
By Component	Turbines, Generators, Airborne Platforms, Control Systems, Tethers
By End-Use Industry	Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Military
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, LAMEA
Country Scope	US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, etc.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.