Construction begins on the world's largest wind turbine

On 19 September 2024, the foundation was laid for the world's largest wind turbine in Schipkau near Brandenburg. This lighthouse project was initiated by the Leipzig -based agency "Agentur für Sprung-Innovationen" (SPRIND). This turbine is set to reach a height of 400 meters, surpassing the current tallest wind turbine at 240 meters. The idea originated from Horst Bendix, a visionary engineer who passed away in Leipzig last summer at the age of 93. Despite his passing, his groundbreaking idea is now being brought to life.

Horst Bendix has radically reimagined the conventional wind turbine design. Typically, wind turbines feature a tower with a rotating nacelle at the top that houses the rotor hub and generator. However, as turbines grow taller, they face increasing bending forces caused by strong winds, which can destabilize the structure and cause material stress. To address this issue, the engineer introduced a three-legged support structure, replacing the traditional single tower with one vertical pillar and two stabilizing supports. Additionally, instead of housing the generator in the nacelle, Bendix’s design positions several generators at the base of the structure, connected by a belt system that transfers energy from the rotor to the ground. 

Believing in the vision of Horst Bendix, SPRIND established Beventum, a subsidiary dedicated to turning his idea into reality. In designing the new tower, the Dresden-based company Gicon Bendix adopted the core concept but introduced several advancements. Unlike the original plans, the generators will remain positioned at the top of the hub, as seen in conventional turbines. Additionally, the tower will feature four support legs instead of three, and a completely new dual-tower design. This innovative structure consists of an inner, movable tower that can extend the turbine to a height of 300 meters, significantly enhancing its functionality and stability.

The world's tallest wind turbine should be able to deliver ten times the output of today's best turbines - while reducing land consumption by 80 %. It is expected that the first plant will be ready in around two and a half years.