The wind turbine of the near future

As the wind energy industry picks up speed, Midwest communities continue to benefit economically from job creation and land leases. Advances in turbine design will further strengthen the economies of Midwest towns and counties that house wind projects.

To make this happen, engineers constantly find new ways to improve turbines, propelled by cost-effective construction and operation.

The wind turbine of tomorrow might be:

1. Larger but fewer in number. Building larger turbines is like buying in bulk. Their size decreases the cost of producing electricity.
   
   By 2025, experts expect turbine size will increase 60% on average compared to those manufactured between 2011 and 2020. Larger turbines will decrease the number needed per wind project site and may reduce noise up to 18% from current levels.
   
   
2. More powerful. Larger turbines generate more energy. Taller towers and rotors that sweep across greater areas mean greater maximum power output per turbine.
   
   
3. More efficient. Efficiency is related to a turbine's ability to generate power in variable conditions, including on days with lower wind speeds. Engineers can design blades for greater efficiency.
   
   Taller towers also increase efficiency as the height itself lets blades reach areas with less turbulence and faster wind speeds typically found at greater heights.
   
   
4. More valuable to the electric grid. Efficient turbines that work constantly or near-constantly means electricity is available when it's needed most, at peak-demand times.

Larger, more powerful wind turbines will likely lead to greater economic benefits for Midwest communities from tax revenue, rising income for landowners and increased spending by wind site workers, according to the U.S. Wind Energies Technologies Office. Learn more about how we build wind projects.