Last summer, Makani brought revolutionary new technology to Haugalandet. The aim was to test a flying kite that can produce electricity at sea - a potential revolution in floating offshore wind. A new documentary shows how the Americans collaborated with GMC at Gismarvik.
Power for millions
- Demand for renewable energy is growing, and Makani's first offshore flights would mark a breakthrough for floating offshore wind. When commercialized, Makani's kites have the potential to produce electricity for millions of people who live among the world's coastlines and who enjoy strong and steady winds but have pools too deep to install bottom-fixed wind turbines to the seabed, Makani CEO Fort Felker wrote in his own blog last year.
Praise for GMC Maritime
GMC Maritime was an important partner for Makani during the test period last summer. The company operates the port facility in Haugaland Nærinsgpark, and works with everything from rudders and propellers to control systems on ships, rigs and offshore installations. The company became known early on for the so-called "GMC spirit", a term that describes a team of solution-oriented, flexible, courageous and persistent employees. The company is known for finding solutions when time is short and uncertainties abound.
Charles Nordstrom, Offshore Navigator at Makani, can vouch for that.
- Culturally, the Norwegians fit in very well with us in Makani, and what we do. They are comfortable with a bit of risk and uncertainty. And I'm so incredibly grateful that I found the team at GMC Maritime! We wouldn't have been able to execute our test program without their hard work, flexibility, creativity and their collective focus on growth," says Nordstrom.
New documentary shows the process
Makani's own documentary "Pulling Power From the Sky: The Story of Makani" shows how a team of scientists, artists, sailors, pilots and engineers have worked for 13 years to develop a flying kite that can efficiently capture wind energy over the open ocean. The film shows the Makani theme at test sites in Hawaii, California and at GCM Maritime in Haugaland Næringspark, as well as test flights over the ocean west of Karmøy.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MOVIE!
(Makani arrives in Norway and Haugaland Næringspark from 01:17:24 in the movie.)
Ready for more test projects
The general manager of Haugaland Næringspark, Tiril Fjeld, is proud that it is attractive for this type of international project to come to Haugalandet.
- "It's thanks to Arvid Nesse and the Norwegian Offshorewind Cluster that we received this inquiry. We hope for more exciting test projects in the future. We're ready," says a satisfied Fjeld.