FAQs

How do you compare to other high-altitude or non-turbine wind technologies?
There is currently only one higher-altitude wind power technology nearing market entry, Magenn’s MARS. Besides a comparable operational altitude of 1000 feet, this system – which uses a rotating inflatable to balloon to lift generation equipment up to altitude – bears no similarities to CMNA Power’s technology. It is expected to fill a niche market and produce power at a price competitive with diesel generation, but not competitive with conventional generation or a kite reel system.
Two major firms are working to develop competing high altitude technology based on kites: Makani and KiteGen. CMNA is differentiated by our low cost, passive approach. Our design has deemphasized control systems and focused on harnessing the natural behavior of kites. This results in an inexpensive, quick-to-market system with a low LCOE.

Why use this instead of a conventional wind turbine?
• Lower carbon impact
• Easier deployment
• Lower LCOE
• Fewer raw materials
• Easily transportable
• Reduced environmental impact
• Lower capital cost
• Higher capital efficiency
• Diversified energy portfolio
• Smoother diurnal curve
• Higher capacity factor
• Higher availability
• Reduced balance of station cost
• No heavy machinery requirement