airborne wind energy

The wind turbines on poles that are proliferating around the country at the moment may be joined by airborne cousins producing airborne wind energy (AWE).  These are systems held aloft by tethered kites or gliders or blimps which give access to stronger winds at higher altitudes and do away with the need for poles, thus reducing the expense.  They either have generators inside them or the tethers pull on ground-based generators.  Their portability means they can be taken to regions where conventional turbines are not practical.  This is of interest to Australia.

There are technical problems to be overcome (control and stability are major considerations) which means they are not a commercial prospect yet, although China seems to be on the verge of producing a viable AWE blimp.