Gigantic wind turbine in Jüchen: This is how NRW becomes an energy temple!

Gigantic wind turbine in Jüchen: This is how NRW becomes an energy temple!

A remarkable construction project is to be realized at the Garzweiler open-cast mine in North Rhine-Westphalia. The construction of a 300 meter high wind turbine is planned, which not only shape the landscape, but could also revolutionize energy generation in the region. This wind turbine will be higher than the currently highest building in Germany and is to be built in an area that is considered "optimal" for wind power. The wind yield will be about twice as high as with conventional wind turbines. The region is also planning to convert the open-cast mine to an artificial lake after the end of the lignite and the development of a Innovation Parks for renewable energies around Jüchen.

An important step towards more efficient wind use was carried out in May 2023 when the highest wind mast in the world in Schipkau, Brandenburg, was put into operation. With a height of 300 meters, this mast enables precise height wind measurements, which are essential for researching innovative wind turbines. The mast weighs around 70 tons and was compiled from 99 mast elements, equipped with 46 different measuring devices. The aim of this project is to improve the efficiency of wind turbines and reduce electricity costs. reports that wind speeds over 8 m/s can be achieved at 300 meters, which is comparable to offshore-platforms.

innovation potential in wind power

The positive effects of the huge wind turbines are not only shown in the increased energy generation, but also in a reduced danger for birds and bats. This security concept could promote the acceptance of wind power projects in the population and show potential for increasing the yield in wind energy. The engineer and inventor Horst Bendix has played a key role in the development of the wind measurement mast, which is created in the research project of Beventum GmbH, a subsidiary of the Federal Employment Agency (Sprind). In view of the initiative, other planned windmasts in Germany show that the optimization of wind energy generation is a central topic of the energy transition.

Currently, however, the plans for the wind turbine in Jüchen are investigations. A specific construction time has not yet been determined. However, the need for new wind turbines is urgently given in order to achieve the goals of the energy transition. Ruhr24 emphasizes that the region not only develops a center for renewable energies through these projects, but also significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.