this post was submitted on 25 Sep 2025
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698
'Windmill': China tests world’s first megawatt-level airship to capture high winds (interestingengineering.com)
submitted 4 days ago by kalkulat@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
182 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

"High-altitude winds between 1,640 and 3,281 feet (500 and 10,000 meters) above the ground are stronger and steadier than surface winds. These winds are abundant, widely available, and carbon-free.

"The physics of wind power makes this resource extremely valuable. “When wind speed doubles, the energy it carries increases eightfold, triple the speed, and you have 27 times the energy,” explained Gong Zeqi "

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[–] random_character_a@lemmy.world 14 points 4 days ago (3 children)

I'd be more interested about the cable that is going to bring all that power to the ground level. With traditional tech that would weigh a shit-ton. Light weight generator would be easy peasy compared to that.

[–] Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

They should do a Nikola Tesla and transmit electricity wirelessly

[–] Enceladus@lemmy.ca 3 points 4 days ago

Maybe over estimate temperature deratings and maybe add a new wind speed thermal pulling capacity. But more likely forgo European and NA electrical standards entirely and submit questionables value for CE approval.

[–] iii@mander.xyz 3 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Maybe there's energy intensive processes that they could do up there instead. Something like Haber Bosch. Then bring the products down.

[–] random_character_a@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

Microwave death ray to beam it down could be fun.

Local residents metallic objects would shoot sparks every now and then.

[–] Hodor@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago (3 children)

City in the clouds

[–] ArmchairAce1944@discuss.online 4 points 4 days ago

Will it be run by Billy Dee Williams?

[–] Morphit@feddit.uk 1 points 4 days ago

Where they're keeping my crew.

[–] dsilverz@calckey.world 1 points 4 days ago

@Hodor@sh.itjust.works @iii@mander.xyz

Or, even better (considering how data centers are getting increasingly power-hungry): cloud in the clouds!