Makani, a wind turbine that defies gravity, is an innovative concept that has captured the imagination of many. But what sparked the idea behind this remarkable invention? Let us delve into the fascinating origin story of Makani, a wind turbine that flew like a kite, producing electricity and changing the game of renewable energy.

A Dream Takes Shape

The story begins with Don Montague, a kiteboarding enthusiast with a big dream to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe. To achieve this ambitious goal, he designed a 65-foot catamaran, equipped with a large parafoil that could fly approximately 250 feet in the air. This was not just a kiteboarding rig, but a flying wind turbine that would harness the power of the wind to generate electricity.

Google’s Take

When two of his friends, Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, got a sneak peek at the project, they were impressed by the potential of the wind turbine. However, they advised Montague to focus on building a working prototype instead of sailing around the world. “I was showing them how much power was actually available at higher altitudes, and I said, ‘Look, I can even generate electricity,’” – Don Montague, kiteboarding enthusiast and founder of Makani.

A New Venture Born

The new venture, named Makani, was a wind turbine that would fly like a kite, using small propellers to produce electricity. Google invested a whopping $15 million in Makani, which was then sold outright to Google X for an undisclosed amount.

Achieving Success

Makani’s flying wind turbine had a few successful flight tests off the coast with its partner at the time, Shell. However, a few crashes followed afterward, and by 2020, Makani’s journey came to a halt.

“Perhaps we will fail. But if we succeed, the value dwarfs all the potential failures,”
– Damon Vander Lind, lead engineer

A Lasting Legacy

To share their lessons and insights with the flying wind community, the team created an archive called The Energy Kite Collection. A film was also made to document their 13-year effort to build energy kites.

• Lessons learned from the project
• Advancements in wind turbine technology
• The potential of flying wind turbines

The flying wind turbine concept has captured the imagination of many, and Makani’s story is an inspiring example of innovation and perseverance. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the team’s dedication to their dream has paid off, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of renewable energy.