The Airborne Wind Energy Training for Industrialization Network (AWETRAIN) has officially launched with a two-day online kick-off meeting on 2-3 December 2024.

This project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, will run from 1 December 2024, to 30 November 2028, bringing together academic and industrial leaders to advance airborne wind energy technology.

Over the next four years, eight partners will collaborate to tackle the key challenges of scaling AWE technology for global energy markets. DTU, TU Delft, Munich University of Applied Sciences, and Politecnico di Milano, will represent the research universities, while Kitemill, Kitekraft, and Kitepower, the AWE industry developers. Airborne Wind Europe, the European association of the AWE sector will lead the communication and exploitation activities.

What is AWETRAIN?

AWETRAIN aims to accelerate the adoption of airborne wind energy (AWE). By combining cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary training, and public engagement, AWETRAIN will shape the next generation of renewable energy pioneers. Twelve doctoral candidates (DCs) will be hired in 2025 to conduct research, improve device reliability, design and optimize AWE plants, and create strategies for social and market acceptance.

Work Packages highlights

WP2: Training

Led by Munich University of Applied Sciences, this work package will run a program which will highlight multidisciplinary skills and adaptability to prepare the researchers towards navigating into the green transition. Participants will attend eight workshops and engage in public outreach, including social media activity, stakeholder interactions, and public events.

WP3: Device and reliability

This work package, coordinated by DTU, focuses on improving the reliability and safety of AWE devices to inspire confidence among investors and energy providers. Key goals include developing robust systems, enhancing performance in extreme wind conditions, and achieving fully autonomous operation. Researchers will work on tackling challenges ranging from component faults to operational constraints, with the ultimate objective of demonstrating the use of available and untapped wind resources.

We must involve students as much as we can, helping them succeed while addressing the broader energy community

said Michael McWilliam from DTU.

WP4: Plant and scaling

Led by Politecnico di Milano, this work package explores how AWE technology can be scaled for grid-scale applications. Researchers will develop an optimized reference plant to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and assess different configurations for both individual devices and large-scale installations. New control strategies will be developed for collision avoidance, mitigate wake interactions, and maximize energy production.

WP5: Society and economics

TU Delft oversees this work package, which examines the societal and economic dimensions of AWE adoption. Researchers will assess market opportunities, social acceptance, and strategies to integrate AWE into Europe’s energy infrastructure.

This diverse group shares one common goal: positioning AWE as a key player in the energy mix.

underscored Roland Ortt from TU Delft.

WP6: Communication

Airborne Wind Europe leads the project’s communication efforts, ensuring that AWETRAIN will reach the right policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public audience. A project website and LinkedIn presence are already live, with plans for promotional videos, public reports, and participation in industry conferences.

There was also room for fruitful discussions where Thomas Hârklau, from Airborne Wind Energy developer Kitemill, highlighted the broader implications of the project:

Our work will be critical for society and policymakers to understand AWE’s potential in accelerating the energy transition.

To wrap up the meeting, McWilliam reiterated the consortium’s commitment to robust training for the DCs:

We are now prepared to attract the best PhD students. We must support and help them succeed.

For his part, Roland Schmehl from TU Delft, endorsed this idea, pointing out the importance of creating a shared message for the researchers:

We have to work on this training project to place all of the PhDs within the same context and objective.

AWETRAIN is hiring!

The consortium will meet again online on 19 December 2024, to continue advancing AWETRAIN’s mission. In Q2/2025 the industrial-academic consortium will be hiring the 12 PhD candidates. The job advertisements will be published in Q1/2025. If you are interested, get in contact with the main supervisor of the respective PhD project.