Nuked 
Hello followers! Today, I’ve got some exciting news about a fresh twist in wind energy tech that’s breaking the mold and sparking new winds of change.
Wind power has faced some headwinds lately, not the literal kind, but challenges like rising costs and political friction. Recently, President Trump announced measures that add friction to this greener energy path. Last year, onshore wind turbines averaged $61 per megawatt-hour, a shift away from previous decades of decline. Neal Rickner, CEO of AirLoom Energy, admits the journey isn’t smooth, but he’s optimistic about their disruptive approach which could leapfrog existing systems and operate at very low costs even without subsidies.
AirLoom reimagines traditional wind turbines, replacing long blades with shorter ones attached to a cable running along an oval track. The entire setup is about 60 feet high—much shorter than conventional turbines. The startup recently broke ground on a pilot site near Laramie, Wyoming, aiming to show that their system can produce comparable power with a novel design. The pilot will generate around 150 kilowatts, using parts similar to larger installations. The track will be smaller, about the size of a high school running lane, with future plans for a 3-megawatt system featuring 500-meter straights.
What makes AirLoom’s design stand out is its flexibility and farm-friendly deployment. The blades allow space beneath for farming or solar panels. The company aims to have initial commercial systems in 2027 or 2028, targeting sites like data centers or military bases first. With Rickner’s military background, the military market makes perfect sense, but data centers are also very interested, especially as they seek early access to cost-effective wind turbines. His team envisions rapid iterations, with a third-generation system ready by 2030.
Most traditional turbines look like giant pinwheels spinning high in the sky. AirLoom’s innovative approach essentially deconstructs this form into a modular, track-based system that could revolutionize wind energy. This could potentially unlock new deployment opportunities and reduce costs significantly, marking an exciting step forward in renewable energy tech.
