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What could one day replace traditional wind turbines?

Answer: kite power

A Beaverton, Ore., startup gained the attention of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its electricity-generating kites. The company received a $100,000 grant and may receive $1 million more for its idea.

The flying kites are connected by strings to wheels that are turned when the wind blows, generating electricity. EWind Solutions CEO and founder David Schaefer said the kites can also serve as scarecrows becase animals may think the kites are birds.

The company, which is part of the Oregon Technology Business Center, one of the state’s startup incubators, hopes to have a commercial prototype ready by next summer.