The aircraft-like platform functions as an airborne power station, combining an airship structure with wind turbines to capture strong winds at high altitude. The technology could help produce cleaner energy and complement conventional ground-based wind power systems.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: nikola-johnny-mirkovic;

The system, called the S2000 Stratosphere Airborne Wind Energy System (SAWES), completed a test flight in Sichuan Province and successfully connected to the power grid. The test marked the first time a high-altitude wind power device of this scale has connected to the electricity grid.