Overview
The Turbine-Kite-Boat (TKB) project pioneers the use of airborne wind turbines integrated into boats for renewable energy harvesting and e-fuel production on the vast oceans. This IDN funding application focusses on preparatory work for large scale project application. Harnessing winds at high altitudes (200-800 metres), TKB integrates kites for propulsion and boat integrated technologies for electricity generation (water turbines), hydrogen and ammonia production. Designed to follow the optimal wind zones at sea, the TKB maximises energy harvest, minimises infrastructure, reduces environmental impact and harvests renewable energy efficiently, independently and storable – SDG 7. Building on an Innocheque initiative, this project strengthens the areas of financing, digital intelligence and systems development. This includes collaborative strategic business alignment, development of the digital intelligence landscape, and technical aspects such as kite designs, vessel structures, energy conversion mechanisms and storage, as well as addressing compliance with international open water regulations. To scale up, this idea requires multiple collaborations with industrial and financial partners. On the technical side, international contacts, both industrial and academic are established, through HSLU and the Swiss partners Shiptec AG. In this project, we are creating a techno-economic framework to make TKB possible.
