Giant wind turbine reaches great heights, almost equaling the towering TV transmission tower.
Revolutionary Wind Turbine Set to Transform Onshore Energy Production
The world's tallest wind turbine, the "Height Wind Tower," is currently under construction in Schipkau, Brandenburg's Lausitz region. With a central hub height of 300 meters and rotor blade tips reaching 365 meters, this colossal structure is nearly as tall as the Berlin TV tower [1][2][4][5].
The tower employs a novel double scaffolding lattice structure for stability, differing from typical closed-base towers [1][2]. This design allows the turbine to harness significantly increased wind energy generation by operating at such high altitudes, where wind speeds are stronger and more consistent [1][5].
The primary impact expected from this turbine is a substantial increase in full-load hours, similar to offshore turbines but with the lower operating costs of an onshore installation [1][5]. This could mark a new chapter in renewable energy production, enabling higher yields from onshore wind power [1][5].
The turbine is retractable, allowing it to be extended for operation and lowered for maintenance. The generator capacity is 3.8 megawatts, smaller compared to today's installations, but it is expected to generate twice as much electricity as a smaller installation with the same generator capacity [1].
The facility is scheduled to go online in 2026 and will supplement an existing wind farm. The path from approval to implementation is still long, with it taking an average of 27 months for a permitted wind turbine to generate electricity [1].
From an environmental perspective, this structure may contribute positively by enabling larger-scale clean energy generation with reduced land footprint compared to multiple smaller turbines. However, detailed environmental impact assessments are not specified in the results; aspects such as effects on local wildlife, visual impact, or noise are unknown based on current information [1].
The construction of the world's tallest wind turbine began on July 25, 2025. In the first half of 2025, more wind energy installations were approved than ever before in half a year, with a total capacity of 7,851 megawatts [1]. North Rhine-Westphalia leads in procedures for new wind installations, with the authorities approving installations faster than last year (18 months compared to 23 months) [1].
Individual wind power plants are becoming more powerful, with an average rated power of 5.4 megawatts, a doubling within a decade compared to ten years ago [1]. Engineer Jochen Großmann of Gicon suggests that small rotors can be installed on the tall wind turbine to maintain consistent performance [1].
However, not everyone is optimistic about the tall wind turbine. Jürgen Quentin, an expert in energy economics, sees a problem with the tall wind turbine due to potential conflicts with military flight heights [1]. The Agency for Wind and Solar sees the concept of multi-level wind turbines critically due to potential competition among turbines reaching heights of 250 meters and above [1].
The EEG provides for an annual wind power expansion of ten gigawatts, which can be achieved as early as 2026, according to industry associations [1]. In the first half of the year, 199 new wind turbines were built and 138 plants were repowered, resulting in a total capacity addition of 1,876 MW [1].
During measurements, it was found that bats are much less active at a height of 300 meters, potentially reducing collisions [1]. The wind speeds are significantly stronger at 300 meters, and weak winds occur less frequently [1]. The tower consists of a steel grid instead of a fixed concrete housing [1].
Once operational, the Schipkau project could influence wind energy strategy by demonstrating the viability and benefits of ultra-tall wind turbines for enhanced renewable generation capacity on land. However, full environmental impact details are pending further data [1][5].
[1] Source: Windenergie.net [2] Source: Windpower Monthly [4] Source: Brandenburgische Zeitung [5] Source: Deutsche Welle
- The development in the field of environmental science suggests that the Height Wind Tower, a renewable-energy project, could significantly boost onshore energy production in the future.
- In the financial sector, investments in the science of renewable-energy technologies, such as the Height Wind Tower, are expected to grow as the demand for cleaner energy increases.
- The construction of the tallest wind turbine, the Height Wind Tower, marks a significant advancement in the industry of renewable energy, potentially leading to higher energy yields and a smaller environmental footprint.
