Tallest wind turbine built in Germany

Germany has completed the world's tallest wind turbine, standing at 365 meters, including its blades. It was erected on September 28, 2026, in Schipkau, a small town in the Lusatia region of eastern Germany. This structure is now the tallest wind turbine globally and the second tallest structure in Germany, after the Berlin television tower.

Engineering collaboration and purpose

The turbine was built by GICON, an engineering company based in Dresden, on behalf of SprinD, the German federal agency focused on breakthrough innovations. The project aimed to push the boundaries of wind energy technology and demonstrate the potential of large-scale wind power installations.

Energy output and wind dynamics

Experts estimate the turbine will produce about twice as much energy as a conventional wind turbine. In Germany, typical wind turbines range from 100 to 150 meters in height. Christoph Winkler, an energy specialist at the Jülich research center, noted that wind at higher altitudes is less affected by the ground, allowing for more consistent and stronger wind speeds.

Testing and performance improvements

Before construction, a test was conducted on the nearby plateau of Klettwitz, where a 300-meter-high mast measured wind speed. Modeled data suggest the technology could increase annual energy production by 63% compared to conventional setups. The turbine would also remain stopped for less time, reducing downtime from about 12% to nearly 10%.

Construction delays and real-world performance

The Schipkau wind turbine, though less powerful than initially modeled (3.8 megawatts versus 9.5), should still offer improved energy yield. Construction started in September 2024 but faced delays due to defective components and strong wind gusts. Despite these challenges, the turbine was completed and now stands as a landmark in renewable energy innovation.