Hackaday

Beijing Lanyi Yunchuan Energy Technology Co. has developed the Stratosphere Airborne Wind Energy System (SAWES), an aerostat-based wind energy prototype that operates at 2000 m above ground level where winds are stronger and more consistent. The S2000 prototype features 12 flying turbines with a peak capacity of 3 megawatts, a double-hull construction 60 m in length and 40 m in diameter, and recently completed its first grid-connected test flight in Yibin, Sichuan Province in January 2026, generating 385 kWh over 30 minutes at roughly 25% capacity. The helium-filled aerostat approach offers easier control and allows large structures compared to kite-based alternatives, though at higher gas costs.

Wind Power Is Taking Off In China– All The Way To 2000 M AGL