Article on BBC Business

[Tom]

@dougselsam

So hi-tech drones and kites are now becoming accepted, lower-cost supplements,

Found that funny as well.

@dougselsam

“These systems require between 1% and 10% of the materials used to construct a turbine and can also be grounded if required, for example to ease the passage of migrating birds.”

Good points you present, @dougselsam. While material can be saved, 1%-10% is an exaggeration.

@dougselsam

12 years of stagnation on land, and now they will be successful in North Sea waves and freezing saltwater?

Awes are uniquely suited to offshore plants. It’s the logical next step. But yes, they should have one in constant operation on land before going there.

@dougselsam

“We plan to mount Makani’s kite on a small spar buoy moored with a synthetic line and gravity anchor,” says the firm’s chief executive, Fort Felker.
Yes, the floating foundation first invented by me. U.S. Patent 6616402

Can’t see a buoy in your patent, but Makani do have a granted patent on that buoy:

US9308975B2 - Spar buoy platform - Google Patents

@dougselsam

“In the mid-term, I can see our technology being used for remote off-grid systems, such as mining operations and disaster relief projects,”

Disaster relief: xkcd: New Robot

@dougselsam

Other onshore high-altitude wind players include Altaeros Energies, a Massachusetts-based technology company that attracted investment from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2015. […] Only know-nothings are still talking about them.

Absolutely. Tried to get that info to the author via twitter to no avail.

Still like the article though. Think it does more good than harm. Don’t think it got much attention.