China Breaks New Ground with Megawatt-Level Airborne Wind Power Technology, Reaching Milestone in High-Altitude Energy Revolution

An airship-shaped airborne wind power system has completed key trials for "harnessing power from the sky."

From September 19 to 21, 2025, China successfully conducted the test flight of the world's first megawatt-level commercial airborne wind power system at the Hami base in Xinjiang. This technological breakthrough marks a critical step forward in China's utilization of high-altitude wind energy, offering a new solution for global renewable energy development.

The tested S1500 Airborne Wind Power System (SAWES) has a design capacity of 1 MW, making it the largest airborne wind power device globally. Its unique structure, featuring a main airbag and ring wing forming a giant duct, is equipped with 12 sets of 100 kW generating units. It captures stable, strong high-altitude winds to drive turbines and transmits electricity steadily to the ground via a tethering cable.

01 Details of the Technological Breakthrough

Airborne wind power systems are fundamentally different from traditional wind power technology. Conventional turbines rely on ground-based towers for support, whereas airborne systems use a gasbag to suspend in the air, directly capturing high-altitude wind energy resources.

02 Technical and Economic Advantages

Compared to traditional onshore wind turbines, the airborne wind power system requires no construction of heavy towers, features a simpler foundation, can save 40% on materials, and reduces the levelized cost of energy by 30%.

The system can achieve up to 4,000 equivalent full-load hours annually, which is 2 to 3 times that of onshore wind power, significantly improving energy utilization efficiency.

It also possesses rapid redeployment capability, making it suitable for various scenarios such as deserts, islands, and mining areas. This provides an innovative power supply solution for remote regions and emergency situations.

03 The Critical Role of Cable Technology

As the "lifeline" of the airborne wind power system, high-performance tethering cables are a key factor for its success. These cables must not only transmit electrical power but also possess characteristics like high strength, lightweight, and environmental resistance.

Shenxing Cable Group's technical expertise in special cables aligns well with the technical requirements of the airborne wind power system. The breakthrough in kilometer-level high-voltage power transmission technology was a crucial bottleneck overcome in moving this technology from concept to commercial application.

04 Commercial Prospects and Strategic Significance

The maturation of airborne wind power technology will effectively address power supply challenges in remote areas, reduce grid construction costs, and play a vital role in emergency disaster relief, serving as a "power lifeline."

Dun Tianrui, CEO of Beijing Lin Yi Yun Chuan Energy Technology Co., Ltd., stated that mass production is targeted for 2026, with the first batch of systems to be delivered and connected to the grid. The long-term goal is to make airborne wind power a significant component of affordable green electricity, contributing a Chinese solution to the global energy transition.

Summary

With mass production advancing in 2026, airborne wind power is expected to become a new growth area in the renewable energy sector.

This innovative technology will reshape the wind power industry landscape, driving synergistic development across the upstream and downstream supply chain, including special cables. Companies like Shenxing Cable Group have the opportunity to explore new market spaces by participating in this emerging field.

The development and utilization of high-altitude wind energy resources relate not only to energy security but also reflect national technological competitiveness. China's breakthrough in airborne wind power demonstrates its strong potential in renewable energy innovation.

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