European utility E.ON has doubled-up its bet on the future of high-altitude wind energy (HAWE) with plans to develop a demonstration site in Ireland with Dutch technology outfit Ampryx Power.

The test project, in County Mayo, will be based around a “fixed wing” 2MW airborne wind energy system, a prototype of which is now under construction.

“This co-operation … is fundamental for us as it allows us to incorporate E.ON’s