Magenn balloon

The wind industry is undergoing rapid growth as utilities seek out cleaner sources of power generation. Some inventors are thinking beyond turbines when it comes to capturing wind power--they're thinking kites and balloons.

Kites and balloons are not widely used and face some of the same challenges as traditional wind turbines, such as avian deaths and complaints over location. But that isn't stopping people from coming up with "flying" wind generators.

Magenn Power is pursuing the design of a helium-filled balloon that turns from the wind and generates power. The company, which is seeking funding, plans to initially build a 4-kilowatt system for remote regions. These artist's renditions show what it envisages.