World’s Tallest Wind Turbine: The Benefits of 365 m of Height

365-Metre Wind Turbine: Germany Tests a Record-Setter to Double Energy Production

In the German town of Schipkau, construction has been completed on the world’s tallest wind turbine, reaching 365 metres in total height including the blades. This pilot project by GICON aims to significantly increase electricity generation efficiency by operating at a record height. The developers claim that this solution could double energy output compared with conventional turbines of a similar rotor diameter.

Rotor at Bird’s-Eye Height

The total height of this innovative structure is 365 metres. A standout feature is the rotor hub positioned 300 metres above the ground. This makes it the second-tallest structure in Germany, surpassed only by the Berlin TV Tower. Height has a positive effect on turbine performance because winds at these altitudes are much stronger and more consistent. The pilot installation has an initial rated capacity of 3.8 MW, while future versions are expected to exceed 7 MW. It is important to note that GICON is not referring to a doubling of rated power, but rather to an approximately twofold increase in actual electricity generation over a given period. The real performance still has to be verified during operation.

An Innovative Construction Approach

To erect the 365-metre turbine, GICON used an unconventional method and did not rely on ultra-tall cranes. Instead, a telescopic tower was used to gradually lift the structure’s components. A special lifting system pushed the inner part of the tower through the outer lattice structure, which was then locked into its extended position. Jochen Grossmann, founder and CEO of GICON, described reaching this height as an “astonishing moment” for the entire team, emphasizing both the complexity of the idea itself and its implementation.

New Horizons for Wind Energy

GICON, together with Germany’s innovation agency SPRIND, is considering an ambitious application for this technology: installing tall turbines as a second tier above existing wind farms. The rotors of these “ground-level” turbines would operate at a much greater height than the rotors of the lower tier. This approach could substantially improve land-use efficiency. According to preliminary estimates by GICON and SPRIND, Germany’s existing wind farms could potentially be supplemented with up to 4,000 of these tall turbines, increasing green energy output without the need to create new sites. For now, this is an assessment of possibilities, not an approved plan.

The official launch of the pilot turbine is scheduled for November. After testing is complete, GICON and SPRIND intend to scale the technology and are holding talks about its commercialization with representatives of the wind energy industry.