World’s first wind-hydro plant built in Germany
Register for free and continue reading
Join our growing army of changemakers and get unlimited access to our premium content
A power plant that will allow wind turbines to generate energy even on windless days.
A number of projects are using technology to expand the capabilities of renewable energy sources. Solar panels covered in graphene generate energy from rain, and electric car owners that charge their vehicles during times of low demand are selling power back to the grid during periods of high demand. In Germany, the first integrated wind-hydro power plant is in development. A partnership between Max Bögl Wind AG and GE Renewable Energy, the new plant will be able to generate nearly 20 megawatts of energy.
The turbine bases serve as reservoirs, and the plant must be built on a hill. On windless days, water will be allowed to flow down the hill, generating hydro electricity. On windy days, when the turbines are at work, the water will be pumped back up the hill ready for use at a later date. The combined plant will begin wind turbine operation in 2017 and hydro-electrical energy production in 2018.
How else could sustainable solutions be combined for all-weather use?