Altaeros Energies, based in Cambridge, MA, is developing airborne wind turbines (AWT).

Why "airborne" ?  The wind turbines are sent to higher heights using blimp-like technology, where winds are stronger and more stable.

Though little information is provided on the website, here is a photo of the first Altaeros AWT prototype:

Awesome concept.  But two (maybe stupid) questions: 1) how is the wind energy converted into electricity, and 2) how do we distribute the electricity from the AWT to where it will be consumed (ie. the ground)?

* Response from Altaeros: "The power is transmitted to the ground using a conductive cable, similar to those used to power radar systems lifted by tethered balloons called aerostats".  Thank you!