Airborne wind energy systems use kites flown hundreds of metres in the air, where wind speeds are much faster, to generate electricity. One type uses small wind turbines mounted on a rigid kite (like an aeroplane wing), and the electricity is sent through the kite’s tether. Kitekraft’s model works similarly, but its turbines are dual purpose; the turbines act as propellers, allowing the kite to hover until it reaches the proper height. These systems will likely be most useful to the military and those living off the grid. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here