DW.com – Energy-generating wind turbines have come a long way from a 33-foot construction in a back garden in Scotland, evolving into towering structures dotted across land and seascapes around the world.
There’s a simple reason for this growth spurt: improved efficiency. Wind speeds are both stronger and more consistent at higher altitudes, which equals greater electricity production. Taller towers also allow for longer rotor blades, which can capture more wind with their larger blade area.