One wind turbine, 13 GWh in 2005

First year of operation of a mega wind turbine

In the past decennium, wind turbines have been growing quickly, both in height and in output power. The most recent generation typically has a tower height of 120 meter, a rotor diameter of 125 meter, and an output power of 5 MW. The first of this “mega turbines” that became operational was the REpower 5M on shore wind turbine in Brunsbüttel near Hamburg (Germany), inaugurated 2 February 2005. In its first year of operation, it produced 13 GWh, which was more than expected. After this test run, the annual production is expected to raise to 17 GWh. Several more mega wind turbines have recently been inaugurated or are being built in Germany (on shore and off shore) and Scotland (off shore).