Germany constructs world's tallest 365-meter wind turbine

A record-breaking 365-meter wind turbine has been constructed in Schipkau, located in the Lusatia region of eastern Germany. Developed by the Dresden-based engineering company Gicon, the prototype stands taller than the Eiffel Tower and is designed to test the efficiency of ultra-high altitude wind energy production.

The turbine features a hub height of 300 meters, with the rotor blades extending the total height to 365 meters. According to Gicon CEO Jochen Grossmann, the primary advantage of this height is not just stronger wind, but more stable wind. This stability allows the unit to potentially produce more than double the electricity of conventional turbines, which typically have hub heights under 200 meters.

Built with 25 million euros in funding from the Federal Agency for Leap Innovations (SPRIND), the 3.8 MW prototype is scheduled to begin operations in November. If the research yields positive results regarding economic viability and energy yield, Gicon plans to implement the technology in small pilot wind farms of three to five turbines, with long-term goals of deploying up to 100 units in Germany and potentially retrofitting existing wind parks to avoid using new land.