How Big Are Windmills?

Windmills and other types of wind turbines come in many sizes and shapes. The blades on larger windmills can have a diameter of more than 120 yards (109.7 m), which is the length of an American football field, including both end zones. In 2008, the world’s largest wind turbine was installed in Germany. The Enercon E-126 has a rotor diameter of 413 feet (125.9 m) and has the capacity to produce about 20 million kilowatts per year.

More facts about windmills:

• Simple windmills were in use as early as 200 B.C. in parts of the world such as China and Persia. The wind power harnessed by the windmills was used to grind grains into flour for use in baking breads and other recipes.


• By the 11th century, the Dutch were using windmills as the means of creating energy to drain marshes and lakes to create habitable land. During the 19th century, people in various parts of the United States used the same basic design of the Dutch windmill to pump water into irrigation systems for farmland.


• The use of windmills to generate electricity began to diminish in the United States during the middle of the 20th century. Resurgence of interest in windmills and turbines to harness wind energy increased during the early years of the 21st century as interest in the development of alternatives to fossil fuels became more common in the U.S. and other nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average height of a modern wind turbine?

Modern wind turbines can vary greatly in size, but on average, a typical onshore wind turbine stands at about 80 meters (262 feet) tall. However, some of the largest models can reach up to 220 meters (722 feet) in height when including the rotor's diameter, according to industry standards.

How large are the blades on a wind turbine?

Wind turbine blades are impressive feats of engineering, typically ranging from 20 to 80 meters (65 to 262 feet) in length. The world's largest wind turbine blades can extend over 100 meters (328 feet), which is comparable to the wingspan of an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger airliner.

What is the power output of a large wind turbine?

The power output of a large wind turbine can vary, but a modern 2-megawatt (MW) turbine is capable of generating enough electricity to supply around 1,500 average EU households annually. Larger turbines, reaching capacities of 7 MW or more, can power even more homes, showcasing the potential of wind energy in sustainable power generation.

How much land does a wind farm require?

The land required for a wind farm depends on the size and number of turbines, as well as local geography. However, turbines occupy less than 1% of the land they're on, allowing for agricultural or other uses on the rest. A typical wind farm with 1.5 MW turbines might need between 15 and 50 acres per megawatt, depending on site-specific factors.

Are offshore wind turbines larger than onshore turbines?

Yes, offshore wind turbines are generally larger than their onshore counterparts. They are designed to harness the more consistent and powerful winds found at sea. Offshore turbines can have blade lengths exceeding 100 meters (328 feet) and total heights surpassing 200 meters (656 feet), making them some of the largest mechanical structures in the world.

How do the sizes of historical windmills compare to modern wind turbines?

Historical windmills pale in comparison to the colossal scale of modern wind turbines. Traditional windmills, such as those used in the Netherlands for milling grain or pumping water, typically had a tower height of around 10 meters (33 feet) with blades of similar length. In contrast, modern turbines can be over 20 times taller with blades that are several times longer.