<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/11/21/17/30/aircraft-1846656_1280.jpg</center>

Back in 2017 [the FAA approved of the use](https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/11/17/564879549/faa-approves-drone-as-cell-phone-tower-in-the-sky-for-puerto-rico) of a drone that would function as a <b>flying cell phone tower</b> in Puerto Rico after the storm hit, to help bring cell service back to people in the region.

There is now apparently a growing number of companies that are looking to utilize drones <b>to essentially harness high-altitude winds</b> to generate electricity. 

Critics are doubtful of whether or not we might be able to explore the possibility of using drones to [provide enough electricity](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48132021). It would be a much more cost effective option than building large wind turbines like those which are used today. Those large turbines can cost millions of dollars to construct. 

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/04/27/18/15/greece-4160809_1280.jpg</center>
The drone approach would use far less materials than the traditional turbines to try and get the same job done. From using drones to energy-capturing kites, there are a variety of companies today that are already working in this high-altitude wind space.

We have seen drones make their way into a variety of industries today, proving useful in achieving a myriad of objectives from delivering mail to assessing construction sites, assisting with agriculture, fire fighting, search and rescue, and much more. 

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/01/19/17/15/wind-turbine-1149604_1280.jpg</center>

Because of the large space that is needed for these high-altitude wind space operations, it's reported that most companies working in this area have been looking toward offshore locations. If they are successful, who knows how many years it might be before this becomes a more viable commercial option and more prevalent in the market. It could prove to be extremely useful for providing power during emergency situations, helping people to have access to electricity after storms hit etc.

Makani, Skypull, and [Altaeros Energies](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48132021), are just some of the companies who are working in this space at the moment on looking at *wind power-generating drones* to try and address the growing energy demands in the market today. 


Pics:
pixabay
<center>https://steemitimages.com/DQmaW48YhsgLS2fxaYkXCuon3tFpQEEh1tSUCU3jjJXv7RT/%40doitvoluntarily.gif</center>

## Related Posts:
### [Drones Being Used As Temporary Cell Towers In Puerto Rico](https://steemit.com/technology/@doitvoluntarily/drones-being-used-as-temporary-cell-towers-in-puerto-rico)