World’s tallest: Germany’s 300-meter research mast could pave the way for a new generation of wind turbines

Germany has spent the past decade intensively developing renewable energy, particularly wind and photovoltaic power plants, and its plans for the future are even more ambitious. In recent years, however, the country has often faced opposition from local communities, which complicates the further construction of tall wind turbines. Now, however, the world’s tallest research mast for measuring wind speeds at high altitudes has been erected in the country. It is expected to pave the way for even taller wind turbines in the future and enable more electricity to be generated from a smaller area.

In early May, Germany commissioned the world’s tallest research mast for measuring wind speeds. The mast stands an impressive 300 meters tall, weighs 70 tonnes and is equipped with a total of 46 measuring instruments. Over the next 12 months, the instruments will collect various data, including wind speed, air pressure and precipitation, as well as information on bat behavior using sensors that can detect the ultrasound bats use to navigate in flight.