The world’s tallest wind measuring mast has been installed in Germany, marking a significant step towards the development of high-altitude wind turbines that can harness stronger winds at higher altitudes. The 300-meter mast was erected by the engineering consortium Gicon-Gruppe on the Hochkippe Klettwitz in Lausitz, and is equipped with 46 measuring instruments that continuously record wind speed, precipitation, temperature, and other environmental data. The mast is also fitted with two LiDAR devices that could simplify the process of conducting high-altitude wind measurements, potentially eliminating the need for additional measuring masts. The Beventum GmbH, a subsidiary of the Federal Agency for Jump Innovations, is investigating the possibility of using wind energy at even higher altitudes.
According to the Federal Network Agency’s Market Master Data Register, wind turbines in Germany currently have an average hub height of 100 meters, with the tallest wind turbines in the country standing at 166 meters. However, there are much larger wind turbines abroad, including the world’s largest wind farm recently unveiled by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The Beventum GmbH is exploring the potential of using wind energy at even higher altitudes, and the installation of the world’s tallest wind measuring mast is a crucial first step towards this goal. The mast is located adjacent to a wind farm, making it an ideal location for measuring wind speeds and other environmental data.
The installation of the mast is expected to pave the way for the development of high-altitude wind turbines that can generate electricity at acceptable prices. The Beventum GmbH plans to develop prototypes for these turbines in the near future, potentially eliminating the need for new wind farms in previously undeveloped areas. The combination of high-altitude wind turbines with solar cells and energy storage systems could also create green energy power plants, while former brown coal mining areas could be revitalized and transformed into bases for high-tech industries powered entirely by renewable energy. The potential benefits of high-altitude wind turbines are significant, and the installation of the world’s tallest wind measuring mast is a crucial first step towards realizing this potential.
