German company Max Bogl is claiming to have the world’s tallest wind turbine after the commissioning of hardware power plant combined with hydro near Stuttgart.
The Gaildorf complex, which features pumped storage hydro technology, has a GE 3.4MW machine with a 178-metre hub height sitting atop a 40-metre water reservoir – making for a total height of 246.5 metres.
The turbine is one of four 3.4-137 machines at the site in the Limpurg Hills, with hub heights ranging from 155 metres upwards.
GE Renewable Energy Onshore Wind Deutschland general manager Andreas von Bobart said: “Our 3MW category platform is extremely flexible and optimized for high energy yield. We are very happy that our customized solution for the GE 3.4-137 has helped to achieve this record.”
The hydro element – supplied under a separate agreement between Max Bogl, Naturspeicher and Voith – sees water pumped into the turbine bases and released when required to power a 16MW generator 200 metres downhill.
Max Bogl board member Josef Knitl said: “Without large-scale and forward-looking projects and ideas the energy transition in Germany cannot succeed.
“With the water battery and hybrid towers, we are making wind energy a more attractive and efficient source of clean energy while also setting new records.”
The Gaidorf wind farm is scheduled to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2018.
Image: Max Bogl
Germans stretch onshore limit
Max Bogl claims world's tallest turbine at combined plant near Stuttgart
By EBS