The technology looks interesting. The ability to deploy the turbine high in the air without expensive towers seems like a huge advantage (of course it will have to work in the practice which I imagine will be the most challenging part). The wind is much more consistent and stronger further off the ground. Many attempts at new energy solutions will help find the best solutions. for emergency use, fast deployment seems like another winning feature.

While this seems a bit unconventional I think some of the ideas that seem crazy are going to be important sources of energy in the future. It will be interesting to see if it can catch on. Some interesting details from Mangenn’s web site:

• Magenn Power is currently in the prototype phase of our Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS). Magenn Power plans to ship our first official product, a 10 kW version in 2008. A 4 kW version may also be available in 2008.
• Magenn assumes a depreciable life span of at least 15 years before major refits are required.
• The Magenn Air Rotor System is a closed inflatable structural design with inherent integrity, stability, and low cost. Furthermore, MARS is a buoyant system that only requires a low cost tensioning cable to secure it and transfer energy to the ground.
• MARS units will be deployed for disaster relief, to third world communities with limited or no infrastructure, for various military applications, to remote locations, and in harsh climates.
• The MARS 10 kW unit will be approximately 25′ x 65′ when inflated, it will come standard with a 400 foot tether; this configuration will have a shipping weight under 500 lbs.
• Magenn Air Rotors can be raised to higher altitudes, thus capitalizing on higher winds aloft. Altitudes from 400-ft to 1,000-ft above ground level are possible, without having to build an expensive tower, or use a crane to perform maintenance.
• Final pricing is yet to be determined on the 10kW MARS unit: target list price will be between $3 dollars to $5 dollars per watt. (Please Note: This price is subject to change).
• MARS will be deployed up to 1,000-ft altitude at this time. The benefits of higher altitudes are being investigated. Future MARS units may be deployed at altitudes far beyond 1,000-ft.

Related: USA Wind Power Capacity - MIT’s Energy ‘Manhattan Project’ - Home Engineering - Windmill for Electricity - South Korea To Invest $22 Billion in Overseas Energy Projects - Wind Power Technology Breakthrough