What is the Wind Fisher Project?
Time to move beyond the windmill… Modern physics bring wind energy to the new millennium with Wind Fisher. This innovative project reinvents wind power by harnessing high-altitude wind using a unique, patented technology. Wind Fisher develops containerized wind energy systems featuring cylindrical winged kites that tap into persistent winds at altitudes between 50 and 500 meters. These energy balloons access faster, steadier winds that traditional turbines simply can’t reach, making wind energy easier to deploy than solar panels. Their systems are designed for both temporary and permanent sites, offering a scalable solution from 100 kW to 10 MW. If a traditional wind turbine doesn’t work for your site, Wind Fisher’s energy balloons might just be the game-changer.
Main Benefits of Wind Fisher’s Technology
Wind Fisher’s approach isn’t just innovative—it’s packed with impressive benefits that make it stand out in the renewable energy landscape:
- 5 times more energy produced annually than solar panels.
- 60% load factor compared to 30% for traditional wind turbines and 12% for solar panels.
- 2 to 5 times cheaper cost of energy than traditional wind and solar solutions.
- Uses 90% less material than conventional wind turbines for the same installed capacity.
- Kites travel 8 times slower than wind turbine blades, making them safer for birds.
- 96,000 suitable deployment sites identified across France alone.
How Does High-Altitude Wind Make a Difference?
At around 300 meters altitude, the wind blows faster and more consistently than at the typical 100-meter height of traditional turbines. This means Wind Fisher’s system can generate 1.6 times more energy because power output grows exponentially with wind speed. The continuous, reliable source of energy from high-altitude wind is a game-changer, especially for sites where ground-level wind is weak or inconsistent. Plus, the helium-filled wing is lighter-than-air, making it crash-proof and capable of automated, continuous flight without needing wind for take-off. Imagine a system that can fly for three months straight without maintenance—pretty impressive, right?
The Magic of the Magnus Effect
For the first time ever, Wind Fisher converts the Magnus force into electricity. Here’s how it works: the flying wing spins at high speed (around 300 rpm), creating the Magnus effect—a force that pushes the wing sideways. This sideways force pulls the cables connected to the ground station, converting airflow into usable energy. It’s a clever twist on physics that sets Wind Fisher apart from traditional wind turbines. This patented system harnesses airflow in a way that’s both efficient and innovative, opening new doors for wind energy extraction.
Scalable Solutions for Every Need
Whether it’s a small remote farm or a large utility-scale wind farm, Wind Fisher’s technology scales seamlessly. The MAG 25 is an autonomous, containerized 100 kW unit perfect for remote sites and small industries. It’s plug & play, deployable in just 24 hours, and targets a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) between €90 and €110 per MWh. On the other hand, the MAG 80 is designed for utilities, delivering 2 MW units that can be grouped into 10 to 100 MW wind farms. With a 60% load factor and a target LCOE of €32 to €50 per MWh, it’s built to meet high demand reliably and efficiently. The same three principles—high-altitude wind, Magnus effect, and lighter-than-air design—power both products, making the solution truly versatile.
Wind Fisher’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – providing cost-effective, reliable renewable energy.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – pioneering new wind energy technology.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – enabling clean energy solutions for diverse locations.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – safer for birds due to slower-moving components and less material use.
Who’s Behind Wind Fisher?
Based in Paris and the French Alps, Wind Fisher is a deep tech startup driven by a passionate team of experts in physics, aeronautics, and energy. Their prototypes are tested at Transpolis, a world-class innovation and safety center. The team combines decades of experience—from aerospace engineering to applied physics—to push the boundaries of wind energy. Their values? Innovation, environmental awareness, ambition, personal development, and integrity. It’s a blend of cutting-edge science and a genuine commitment to making renewable energy accessible and efficient for everyone.
