Windmills are an age-old concept, but what about wind and air-powered cars, watches and skyscrapers? The environmentally-friendly innovations in the slideshow below highlight the variety of ways in which the wind can be harnessed for clean, renewable power.
My favorite wind and air-powered innovations below are the sports cars. Many of them are powered by both the sun and windâ€"making them perfect for sunny California.
Implications - These 46 wind and air-powered innovations reflect the growing awareness that new forms of sustainable energy are needed to displace the dominance of oil. Renewable energy need not only be used for transportation but also for a range of other every day products.
46 Wind & Air-Powered Innovations
46
Wind Generator for Your Home
45
Wind-Powered Speedsters
The Greenbird Breaks the Land Speed Record at 126.1 MPH
44
Air-Powered Cars
The MDI AirPod
43
World's Smallest Wind Turbine
Blow Light
42
World's Largest Wind Turbine
Enercon's E-126 in Germany
41
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Aerogenerator
40
The Lighthouse
Green Skyscraper Combines Wind Turbines and Solar Panels
39
Mega Wind Turbines
World's Largest Windmills to be Made in the USA
38
Flower Power
Artistically Inspired Windmills
37
Windpower for Oil
PyroPhase's Radio Frequency Heating Technology Aids Crude Production
36
Wind Powered Outdoor Lighting
Light Wind
35
Wind To Purify Salt Water
High Tech Windmill Could Supply Millions With Water
34
Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
Green Power is Blowin' in the Wind
33
Solar & Wind Powered Pre-Fab Spa
Desert Winds Eco Spa
32
Wind Energy Reaches New Heights in U.S.
345 Tall Wind Turbine Online
31
Wind Power For The People
$48k for Power Independence
30
Wind-Powered Supercars
Dale Vince's Nemesis is Rechargeable by Nature
29
Wind Powered Cell Phones
Motorola Goes Green in the Jungle
28
Wind Power Expansions
London's 'Quietrevolution' Spins Powerful Presence in the UK (UPDATE)
27
DIY Eco Kits
Sunforce Makes Home Solar Charging & Wind Generation Easy
26
Windbelt Power
Bridge Collapse Inspires Third World Power Innovation
25
Charge Gadgets By Wind or Sun
MINIWIZ HYmini
24
Wind Dam
Cool Russian Eco Initiative
23
Weather-Powered Sportscars
RORMaxx Formula AE Concept is Sun and Wind Powered
22
Billboard Wind Turbines
Powered by Passing Vehicles
21
Air-Powered Motorcycles
Green Speed Bike Moves by the Power of the Elements
20
Air-Powered Watches
The Urwerk UR 202 Turbine Timepiece
19
Water-Collecting Wind Turbines
Stylish "Eol'eau" Stores Green Energy and Rain
18
Urban Wind Turbines
Concept Would Convert Downtown London to Renewable Energy
17
Neat Self-Knitting Devices
Wind Powered Knitting Machine Knits On its Own
16
Wind-Powered Battery Chargers
The Febot
15
Concept Kite Cars
The Wind Light Vehicle
14
Outdoor Decor Turns Wind Into Light
Firewinder Windlight
13
The Wind Tunnel Footbridge
12
Dual Renewable Energies in the City
Japan Uses Wind and Solar Streetlights
11
Air-Powered Cars
MDI and Tata Collaborate
10
Wind-Powered Kids' Toys
Tamiya 'Loopwing' Car Blends Fun and Eco-Friendliness
9
Gadget-Charging Helmets
The 'Wind-Helmet' Functions Like a Windmill for Bike Riders
8
Wind Turbine Electrical Towers
Wind-it Makes Plans to Combine Energy Producers
7
Air-Powered Batteries
'STAIR' Technology Ushers in a New Era in Alternative Energy
6
Air-Pods at 30,000 Feet
5
Wind-Powered Countries
Spain Sets World Record for Green Power Generation
4
Wind-Free Wind Farms
Using Compressed Air for Constant Clean Power
3
Green Power From Bluewater
Delaware Wind Farm Gets Approval To Proceed
2
Maritime Hydrogen Generation
Power-Seeking 'Windhunter' Water Electrolysis System
1
AIR Powered Go-Karts
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Related Ideas
Solar Energy-Capturing Tents
The Jackery LightTent-AIR Has its Own Eco Energy System
Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Airplanes
The SKY Magnetar Travels at Five-Times the Speed of Sound
Futuristic Single-Seater Bikes
The Canyon Future Mobility Concept Has a Carbon Fiber Shell
Plane-Inspired Vehicle Designs
This Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicle by Al Yasid Balances Aesthetics
Aerodynamic Electric Camping Cars
The Aptera Solar Charging Camping Vehicle Has Space for Two
Retro-Style Electric Trikes
The Conceptual E-Trike Revolution by André Fangueiro is Eye-Catching
Off-Grid Mobile Homes
Living Vehicle's Design Can Turn Humidity into Water
Branded Car-Powered Hotels
Hyundai Opens Doors to World’s First Car-Powered Hotel
Personal Air Conditioners
The Silen Cicada is Designed to Cool Users Down During Hot Weather
Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Houses
These Solar-Powered Homes by Street Monkey Architects are Sleek
Road-Legal Flying Vehicles
The 'Switchblade' Tranforms From a Car to Plane in Under 3 Minutes
Transforming Commuter Vehicles
The Conceptual Audi Vista Roadster by Hyunsik Moon is Shapeshifting
Honeycomb-Shaped Wind Turbines
This Bladeless Wind Turbine Design is Easy to Implement Anywhere
Electric Transportation Concepts
Marko Petrovic Balances Utility, Sustainability, and Demand
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Working Flying Car Prototypes
Volkswagen Debuts a Working Prototype of the Flying Tiger
Off-Grid Exploration Vans
The Conceptual GAC Van Life Autonomous Vehicle is Eco-Friendly
Flight-Equipped Hatchbacks
XPeng Unveiled a Flying Car Under its AeroHT Automotive Division
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Shapeshifting Interior Electric Vehicles
The Volkswagen Gen.Travel Concept Has a Luxurious Feel
Solar-Powered Blankets
Mireille Steinhage Designs a Ground-Breaking Blanket
Portable Energy Generators
Jackery’s AIR-W is a Lightweight and Flat-Pack Generator
Eco Oceanic Energy Systems
The Waveline Magnet Concept Design Captures Wave-Made Energy
Flying Car Concepts
Alef Aeronautics Comes Closer to Making Flying Cars a Reality with Model-A
Rotating Solar-Powered Benches
'A Solar-Powered Bench That Spins Ever So Slowly' is Interactive
Two-Wheeled EV Concepts
The 'SHANE' Two-Wheeled Electric Car Concept Has Space for Five
Omni-Fuel Vehicle Concepts
The 'Andrietta' Concept Car by Lee Rosario Uses Gas, Hydrogen and More
Solar-Powered Smartwatches
This Smartwatch Doesn't Require Battery Charging With Adequate Sunlight
Air Taxi Partnerships
Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Team Up to Develop New Air Mobility Fuel System
Automated Vertical Car Parks
Daniel Statham Studio Designs the Future Car Park in China
Compact Portable Power Stations
Volcan Creative's Futuristic Power Station is Trustworthy
Autonomous Timber Transportation Shuttles
The Conceptual 'Timber Shuttle' is Eco-Focused
Eco-Friendly Ammonia Engines
These Engines Can Power Automobiles Whilst Curbing Carbon Emissions
Wireless Solar-Powered Lights
Lund University Students Explore the Benefits of Solar Power
Solar-Powered Water Purifiers
The Stil Water Purifier Leverages the Sun's Energy
Supersonic Aircraft-Inspired EVs
The Conceptual Concorde 20+ Features Aviation Inspiration
Revolutionary eVTOL Air Taxis
This Craft is Designed For Short-Haul Aerial Journeys
Water-Ready Sports Car Concepts
The Citroën Above and Under by Sangheon Chung is Transformative
Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles
Alauda Aeronautics Unveils the New Airspeeder MK4 Vehicle
Ultra-Efficient Modern AC Units
The Windmill AC is Easy-to-Install, Efficient, Quiet, and Cool
Enchanting Old-World Sailing Ships
The Orient Express 'Silenseas' Has a Wind Propulsion System
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Swingarm-Supported Velocars
The 'Tilt4orce' Offers Stability and Safe Leaning Into Turns
Traditional Vehicle Hydrogen Concepts
Toyota Presents the New Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept
Zero-Emission Race Cars
Karfidov lab designs the Formula Polestar for the future
Portable Hydrogen Stations
Hyperion Announced the 'Hyper:Fuel' Stations for its XP-1 Supercar
Origami-Style Charger Hubs
The 'WiCharge' Folding Wireless Charger Delivers 15W of Power
Aerodynamic Electric Sedans
Volkswagen's 'ID.7' Sedan Offers An Impressive Range Of 700 Kilometers
Immersive Solar-Powered Installations
Marjan van Aubel & Lexus Unveil the 8 Minutes and 20 Seconds
Plastic Waste-Powered Vehicles
The Bertone GB110 Will Offer 1,100-Horsepower and More
Futuristic Bladeless Planes
Jetopetra Creates Planes That are Able to Fly Without Propellers
Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes
Solar Scooters' 'E-Clipse 2' Has Free Charging via Solar Power
Solar-Powered Water Purifiers
The 'Stil' Water Purifier by Hans Ramzan is Sustainable
Regenerative Cycling Equipment
The Conceptual 'Energy Keeper' by Sasha Torgova is Eco-Friendly
Solar-Powered Watches
Matte Works Release the Solution-01 Watch Collection
Sculpted Electric Sports Cars
The Lexus Electrified Sport Concept Showcases Sweeping Lines
Retro-Inspired Two Seater EVs
The Pininfarina DYNO by Kanishq Palav Has Hubless Wheels
Miniature Air Purifier Robots
Sang il Shin Designs the Small PLANI Robot Concept
Folding Wing eVTOL Vehicles
This eVTOL Concept Design by Karina Gotseva is Aerodynamic
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle Systems
Layer Designs the Croft System to Sustainably Power Vehicles
1920s-Inspired Electric Vehicles
The Bentley Blower Jnr is by Bentley and the Little Car Company
Sustainably Designed Timepieces
The Majestik Solar Watch Passively Captures Energy
Electric Solar-Powered Campers
Lightship designs the L1 Trailer with Futuristic Elements
Renewable Energy Plants
NextEra Constructed a Three-in-One Renewable Energy Plant
Balcony-Ready Solar Power Systems
This EcoFlow PowerStream System Generates Ample Energy
Audacious Electric Supercars
The 'Speirling Pure' Uses Sealed-Skirt Fan Tech to Zip Around Corners
Inaugural Fully Electric Cars
Maserati Debuted the Folgore Model During Milan Design Week
Curvaceous Electric Concept Cars
The 'EV Sport 01' Offers Powerful Performance In a Sleek Package
Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems
The SolarBotanic Energy Tree Works in Public or Private Spaces
Direct-to-Consumer Hydropanels
Source Global Seeks to Answer Impending Resource Depletion
Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft
This Aircraft Will Utilize a Liquid Hydrogen Powertrain
Solar-Powered Electric Boats
This Boat's Batteries are Powered With the Help Of Solar Panels
Single-Blade Offshore Wind Turbines
The 'TouchWind' Turbine System Can Handle Higher Wind Speeds
Hydrogen-Powered Concept Vehicles
Yamaha Unveils its Hydrogen-Powered Golf Cart, the 'Drive H2'
Colorful Aerial Installations
Morag Myerscough Creates Work to Support the Clean Power Campaign
All-Electric Luxury Cars
Lamborghini Unveils the Lanzador Concept, Its Inaugural All-Electric Auto
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
Plastic Waste-Fuelled Hypercars
Bertone's GB110 Supercar is Designed to Celebrate 110 Years
Energy-Efficient Office Buildings
This Czech Office Complex is Outfitted With Eco-Friendly Designs
Floating Wind Platforms
This Offshore Platform Allows For Ultra-Efficient Turbine Operations
Solar-Powered City Cars
Squad Mobility's SQUAD Car is a CES 2023 Innovation
Quick-Charging Electric Motorcycles
FUELL Presents the New Fllow E-Motorcycle Design
Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers
This Japanese Tanker Can Transport Surplus Renewable Energy
Wind-Powered Cargo Ships
Mitsubishi Corporation Retrofits Pyxis Ocean for Sustainability Purposes
Continuous Energy Capture Systems
This Soleolico 3D-Printed Wind Turbine Works Around the Clock
Award-Winning Housing Designs
Hong-En Lin Emphasizes the Importance of Clean Water Access
Accessible Space Travel Systems
This Space Elevator Concept by Jordan William Hughes is Wondrous
Autonomous Solar-Powered Watches
Exoskeleton Watch Powered by an Autonomous Solar Movement
Future-Facing Charging Concepts
These Wireless Charger Concepts Imagine a True Wire-Free Future
Sporty Solar Watch Designs
Diesel Recently Launched Its First Solar Watch Line
Low-Cost Battery Alternatives
MIT Scientists Develop Efficient Energy Storage System
CO2-Capturing Electric Car Prototypes
This Student-Designed Car Captures & Stores Carbon Dioxide
Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings
This Dutch Building Now Boasts Solar Panels & Insect Hotels
Futuristic Fusion Power Plants
This Power Plant Will Efficiently Contribute to the Electrical Grid
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Engines
Airbus is in the Works of Creating a New Hydrogen Engine
User-Friendly Solar Panels
Kunal Girotra Introduces the Sustainable Lunar Energy System
Sleek Sustainable EV Concepts
The Opel Experimental EV Concept Has Augmented Projection Technology
Bendable Battery Designs
Anthro Energy's Flexible Battery Was Showcased at the Beacon Exhibition
Zero-Emissions Aircraft
This Battery-Electric Aircraft Aims to Revolutionize Air Travel
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Develops a New Foldable and Portable Solar Panel
Six-Wheel Drive Concept EVs
The Land AIrcraft Carrier by XPENG AEROHY is Made for Exploration
Human-Generated Energy Concepts
Otto Copping Envisioned The Human Hydro Park Royal
Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts
The Falcon Horizon by Laszlo Nemeth Runs on Solar Power
Hydrogen-Powered Concept Bikes
A Team of Designers Created a Futuristic Hydrogen Bike Concept
Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps
The New Sunne Lamp by Sunne is Powered by Solar Energy
Range-Boosting Aerodynamic Systems
Hyundai's 'Active Air Skirts' Increase the Efficiency Of EVs
Hydrogen-Powered Jet Engines
The Rolls-Royce AE 2100 is a Regional New Aircraft Engine System
Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Maximizes Electric Capabilities
Electrified Supercar Concepts
Nissan Showcased the Hyper Force Concept Car at Japan Mobility Show
Flying Umbrella Prototypes
This Hands-Free Device Hovers Above You to Protect From the Rain
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
DIY Robotics Toys
The WindBots from Thames & Kosmos are Intricate Learning Toys
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Eco-Friendly Cafe Vehicles
This Conceptual Solar-Powered Coffee Truck Operates Anywhere
Turbine Recycling Services
Enva Launches a Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Service in the UK
Two-Seater Solar-Powered Vehicles
Aptera Presents the ‘Launch Edition’ of Its Solar Electric Car
Magnetized Fusion Power Plants
Al_A Designs a "World's First" in Oxfordshire, UK
Updated Air Taxi Designs
Hyundai Unveils the New Elevated S-A2 Air Taxi During CES
Eco-Friendly Aviation Startups
Ecojet Will Offer Hydrogen-Electric Flights With a Green Ethos
Research-Centric Hydrogen Motorcycles
This Open-Source Two-Wheeler Aims to Encourage Innovation
Floating Solar Power Plants
This French Power Plant Will Deliver Clean Energy to 2,000 Homes
All-Electric Sports Cars
Porsche's Vision 357 Speedster is an Ultra-Luxurious Model
Crank-Powered Wireless Peripherals
Lenovo's Latest Mouse and Keyboard are Powered by a Crank
Hydrofoiling Electric Boats
Navier's 'N30' Boat Promises Eco-Friendly Waterway Transportation
All-Electric Restaurant Concepts
This Chipotle Restaurant Design Harnesses Wind & Solar Power
Efficient Virtual Power Plants
These Battery-Swap Stations Are Contributing to the Electrical Grid
Deconstructed Windmill Installations
Taiyi Yu Presents the W.I.P.: Windmill In Play Installation
Game-Inspired Electric Vehicles
Peugeot Designs the New Inception EV With Game-Like Steering
Green Energy-Delivering Ships
This Revolutionary Ship Can Deliver Clean Energy to Vessels At Port
Climate-Friendly Waterfront Homes
From 4 to 1 Creates Three Pavilions in Copenhagen
Perforated Hybrid Supercars
The Aurora V12 has Holes for Aerodynamics and Cooling in its Frame
Hydrogen-Electric Racecars
The ACO and H24Project Unveiled 'MissionH24,' an Eco-Friendly Supercar
Hydrogen-Powered Hypercar Concepts
Alpine Unveiled a new Hydrogen Hypercar Titled the 'Alpenglow'
Long-Range Electric Convertibles
Fisker Unveils a Quick Look at its New Ronin Convertible
Futuristic Wave Energy Plants
This Plant Can Harness Marine Energy to Produce Green Hydrogen
Decarbonizing Demonstrator Aircraft
The 'EcoPulse' is Powered By High-Density Batteries
Climate-Sensitive Pavilion Structures
Querkraft Designs the Pavilion Inspired by Wind Towers
AI-Powered Sail Systems
The 'FastRig' System Allows For Efficient Use Of Wind Power
Environmental EV Air Purifiers
The Audi Urban Purifier Cleans the Surrounding Cityscape