US-listed search engine provider Google has acquired for an undisclosed amount a renewable power portfolio company, Makani Power, which makes wind turbines for kites.
The acquisition comes from Google X, Google’s research and development arm.
Google was a primary investor, providing $10m in funding, to the flying wind turbine maker in 2006, following up with another $5m the following year.
“This formalizes a long and productive relationship between our two companies, and will provide Makani with the resources to accelerate our work to make wind energy cost competitive with fossil fuels,” Makani said on its website.
“The timing couldn’t be better, as we completed the first ever autonomous all-modes flight with our Wing 7 prototype last week.
“We look forward to working with our new colleagues at Google X to make airborne wind a cost-effective reality.”
Through its philanthropic Google.org, corporate venturing unit Google Ventures and business development group, the company had previously invested in other power businesses, such as Potter Drilling.
Separately, Google has made its first renewable energies investment in Africa, by committing ZAR103 ($12m) in the Jasper Power Project, a 96 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in South Africa.
Google invested $1bn in renewable power last year, and has backed with $275m wind farms in Iowa and Texas, US.