Wind energy is a top producer of renewable energy across the globe. This is largely due to the rather consistent nature of wind, especially depending upon your location. But scientists are not just interested in wind found on the surface of the Earth, or at heights of large wind turbines, but miles above the surface as well.
Jet streams across the globe contain the strongest winds available on the planet, however, they are anywhere from four to ten miles above the surface of the Earth. These jet streams do possess wind speeds which function at 100 miles per hour or more at any given time. This is considerably more speed that the average wind turbine, which is only about 350 feet in height, is able to tolerate or even be subjected to.
This wind which soars miles above the planet is being considered the next realm of wind energy technology. It does not hurt that for every doubling of speed, the amount of energy attained from it can multiply by up to eight times. Even at 2,000 feet in the air, rather than miles above the ground, winds can be 2.5 times greater than those which wind turbines are attaining energy.
It is estimated that upwards of 100 times the annual energy needs of the entire world are contained in the world’s jet streams. The benefits of tapping the energy source is clear, but there are hurdles to overcome. Due to air traffic concerns, the technology will have to be used at a ceiling of 2,000 feet, except for some specific areas across the globe. There is also the obvious issue of attaining a vessel which will safely soar in the skies while acquiring energy.
Aside from the technology itself, the soaring turbines would have to meet current environmental standards, such as noninterference with birds-a problem even stationary wind turbines currently face. Despite the hurdles, many predict the technology may be functioning as early as mid-decade, while others think it is more likely it will come to full use by the 2020s.
