FIRST WORLD RECORD FROM THE SPRIND COSMOS

The high-altitude wind turbine rises well above the surrounding wind turbines in the former lignite mining region, which typically stand at heights of just 150 to 250 meters. This tower taps into strong high-altitude winds, creating the conditions for the most productive onshore wind turbines in the future. The key advantage: High-altitude wind turbines can potentially be added as a so-called second tier to existing wind farms. This means output can be increased on existing land. What is more, winds at this altitude blow more steadily and reliably.

According to current potential estimates for Germany, it may be possible to retrofit up to 4,000 high-altitude wind turbines in existing wind farms as a second tier. This would generate additional wind energy without the need to open up new wind farm sites.

The telescoping of the inner tower marks the decisive milestone in realizing this pilot project commissioned by SPRIND. The high-altitude wind turbine stands as an impressive testament to German engineering prowess. The project was brought to life by GICON of Dresden.

During the lift, the inner tower was raised to its final height using a specialized strand jack system. This step alone is a remarkable technical achievement. Up to now, one of the key limiting factors in building taller wind turbines has been the height constraints of available construction cranes. GICON solved this problem cleverly with their concept: The high-altitude wind turbine serves as its own crane. The foundation and the lower lattice mast tower acted as the outer scaffolding. In a highly complex, globally unique process, the top of the tower was now raised from within the lattice structure. The procedure required precise technical execution and meticulous coordination of all work. Once the target height was reached, the inner tower was secured in its extended position. Final work on the high-altitude wind turbine will take several more days.

The idea for the high-altitude wind turbine came to SPRIND through Professor Horst Bendix. The native Leipziger was not only for many years the head of technology and research at the Leipzig heavy machinery manufacturer Kirow, but also a university professor and engineering consultant. In his retirement, the enthusiastic inventor spent decades working on his idea for a high-altitude wind turbine. In 2019, he submitted his idea to SPRIND. SPRIND picked up on the fundamental concept of a high-altitude wind energy system from the then 91-year-old and had three promising concepts validated. This included the concept from the engineering firm GICON, which had themselves been working for more than ten years on solutions for high-altitude wind energy systems and were quickly engaged as a partner. In 2022, SPRIND and GICON erected the world's tallest wind measurement mast on the Klettwitz plateau in southern Brandenburg. The mast successfully collected data for a full year between May 2023 and May 2024, confirming among other things the assumption that winds blow stronger and more reliably at greater altitudes. Based on those measurements, the green light was given at the end of 2024 for the construction of the high-altitude wind turbine together with GICON.

In deep gratitude, we remember Prof. Bendix, who first showed us the potential of high-altitude wind energy even before the founding of SPRIND. Our thanks also go to our Supervisory Board and the Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. Without their trust and support, this first major SPRIND project would not have been possible, said Dr. Martin Chaumet.