Alphabet has cut ties with the Makani project, which used wind turbines attached to kites to generate electricity.
Despite the initial launch of a test project off the coast of Norway last year, the technology is not improving with respect to commercial feasibility. Energy giant Shell has expressed interest in taking over the project, which has been cut from Alphabet’s rosters as part of a larger cost-saving measure at the company.
The executive in charge of Alphabet’s X division, Astro Teller, said that “while it’s tempting to say that all climate-related ideas deserve investment, remaining clear-eyed and directing resources to the opportunities where we think we can have the greatest impact isn’t just good business; it’s essential when it comes to a problem as urgent as the climate crisis.”