China's 1.2 MW Airborne Wind Turbine Completes Testing in Xinjiang, Set for 2026 Mass Production

China has successfully completed testing of the S1500, a groundbreaking 1.2-megawatt buoyant airborne wind turbine, in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A recent social media post announced, "> 1MW, The world's largest floating wind power plant has completed testing in Hami, Xinjiang. It will enter mass production next year." This Zeppelin-like system, developed by Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Co., Ltd., is now poised for mass production starting in 2026, aiming to harness high-altitude wind energy.

The S1500, described as the largest airborne wind-power generator ever built, measures 60 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 40 meters tall. It was developed by Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The system features 12 turbine-generator sets, each rated at 100 kW, totaling a 1.2 MW capacity.

This innovative technology passed rigorous tests, including full desert assembly and continuous high-wind deployment and retrieval in Hami, a region known for its abundant wind resources. Unlike conventional land-based turbines, the S1500 requires no massive tower or deep foundation, which significantly cuts material use by 40 percent and electricity costs by 30 percent. Its design allows for relocation within hours, making it ideal for remote areas, islands, mining sites, and rapid disaster response.

The S1500 harnesses steady high-altitude jet streams, which are considerably stronger and more consistent than ground-level winds, representing a vast, untapped energy reservoir. Previous prototypes, including the 50 kW S500 tested in October 2024 and the 100 kW S1000 in January 2025, paved the way for this megawatt-scale system. China's National Development and Reform Commission has actively supported research and development in large-scale high-altitude wind-power generators since 2016.

Weng Hanke, Chief Technology Officer of SAWES, emphasized the platform's potential for emergency power supply, stating, "The airborne platform can be launched quickly after an earthquake or flood to keep lights, radios and life-saving equipment running." With its successful testing, the S1500 is set to enter mass production in 2026, marking a significant advancement in global renewable energy and potentially transforming how wind power is harvested.