World's tallest wind turbine built in Germany reaching 365 meters
AI Summary
Reaching 365 meters, a new German wind turbine prototype aims to test whether higher altitudes can generate more than double the energy of standard models.
A 365-meter wind turbine has been erected in the Lusatia region of Germany, exceeding the height of the Eiffel Tower. According to Conservation News, the prototype is intended to increase regional electricity production by capturing more consistent wind speeds at higher altitudes.
Key details
- •Conservation News reports the turbine stands at a total height of 365 meters, with a hub height of 300 meters.
- •Jochen Grossmann, CEO of developer Gicon, stated that the structure aims to produce more than twice the electrical energy of conventional turbines.
- •The turbine is scheduled for inauguration on Nov. 19, with internal wiring currently being finalized, according to Conservation News.
- •Gicon plans to evaluate the prototype’s performance to determine the viability of developing additional extra-tall turbines in the future.
Background
Located southeast of Berlin, the Lusatia region was formerly a center for lignite mining before shifting toward renewable energy projects. Germany has been actively expanding its wind and solar capacity, having shut down its final nuclear power plants in 2023 and planning to phase out coal-based electricity by 2038.
Why it matters
The project serves as a prototype to test if building at extreme heights can address land shortages for wind energy. Gicon suggests that these structures could allow for 'two-story' wind farms, combining turbines of varying heights to maximize energy output on limited sites.
How outlets covered it
Get our daily briefing first.
We're starting a short daily email with the stories most outlets are covering. Join the list to get the first one.
Free. No spam.
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!