Buoyant Airborne Wind Turbines: A Systematic Review of Design, Operation, Performance, and Applications

Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of global energy, but recently, renewable energy use has been growing to replace traditional sources. As a renewable energy source, wind turbines are used in locations with suitable conditions for operation, where the wind speed is appropriate for the turbine's length. In most locations with low wind speed, airborne wind energy (AWE) is an innovative technology that uses a self‐steering aircraft connected to the ground to convert wind energy into electricity at high altitude. AWE can operate at altitudes where traditional turbines cannot reach, while these altitudes have wind at maximum speeds and continuously. This systematic review of research on buoyant airborne wind turbines (BAWTs) operating at high altitudes from 2014 to 2025 provides a comprehensive analysis of their design principles, operational characteristics, and technological advancements. A systematic review methodology was employed to analyze 65 peer‐reviewed publications, categorizing findings across design optimization, aerodynamic performance, control systems, and commercial applications. The review identifies current technology readiness levels, research gaps, and pathways toward commercialization.