The global race for wind energy dominance has entered a new chapter, and this time, the spotlight is on Denmark. Siemens Gamesa, the European wind power giant, has installed the most powerful wind turbine ever built, temporarily overtaking fierce Chinese competition.
Located at the Østerild test site in northern Denmark, the SG DD-276 turbine boasts a staggering rotor diameter of 276 meters and a capacity of 21.5 megawatts—enough to power approximately 70,000 Danish households annually.
A Record-Breaking Machine
This achievement is not just a technological milestone but also a financial one. The project is part of the European Union’s HIPPOW program (Highly Innovative Prototype of the most Powerful Offshore Wind), supported by €30 million from the EU Innovation Fund.
Over its lifetime, the SG DD-276 is expected to prevent more than 55,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based power generation, highlighting the turbine’s role in Europe’s green transition.
Siemens Gamesa has been a pioneer in offshore wind since 1991, when it installed the world’s first eleven offshore turbines off the coast of Vindeby, Denmark. With the launch of the SG DD-276, the company celebrates its 5,000th offshore turbine installation across 14 countries, reaching a total distributed capacity of over 27 GW.
A short-lived lead?
However, Europe’s reign may be short-lived. The previous record-holder was China’s Mingyang Smart Energy with a 20 MW turbine, which had surpassed Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW model. Now, Dongfang has announced the completion of a 26 MW turbine—though it has yet to be installed—while Mingyang is working on a new 22 MW model. The lead may soon shift again.
Beyond the race for megawatts, the industry faces a critical challenge: securing rare earth elements and critical minerals essential for turbine magnets and electronics. As geopolitical tensions between the U.S., EU, and China rise, the supply chain—largely controlled by Beijing—could become a major vulnerability for the sector.
For now, Europe can celebrate a moment of triumph that blends cutting-edge engineering, environmental sustainability, and industrial ambition. But as with all things wind-powered, the direction can change quickly.
