Low-tech Magazine

Floating windmills: energy from the clouds

At great heights the wind blows much more powerfully and steadily than it does at lower altitudes. Some companies are convinced that there lies an opportunity to generate cheap, durable energy.

The most important disadvantage of wind power is that there is not always (enough) wind. Wind turbines only spin one tenth of the time at their maximum output, which makes wind not a very reliable energy source. At higher altitudes, wind conditions are much better. Floating windmills, which send the generated electricity to the earth by means of a cable, could harvest much more energy.

Build your own windmill

A ‘singing’ wind energy power station could be an efficient, cheap and safe combination with solar panels.

‘Personal’ or ‘miniature’ wind turbines are an interesting addition to solar panels if you want to power your house independently. When there is no sun (at night, for instance), there might be wind. But traditional micro-wind turbines are plagued by problems. The 'Windbelt' does not have them.

The revival of the sailing ship

Considering the wind as an extra source of power, the fuel use of cargo ships can be reduced substantially.

Steam power and diesel engines relegated cargo sailing ships to the history books, since motorized ships are a lot faster, cheaper and more reliable. But now that the fuel use of ships and the ecological damage involved passes all bounds, there is a renewed interest in wind power as an extra source of energy; thanks to an extreme water sport.