The Top Largest On-Shore Wind Farms in the World



Wind energy is gaining in capacity and output with new, and bigger wind farms being developed and constructed at a breakneck pace around the world. A wind farm’s success is, however, largely dependent on that golden rule or real-estate: location, location, location. An efficient and successful wind farm needs large swaths of open space - be it on land, or offshore – and that key ingredient: the wind. Turbine and blade design are also very important factors in the achievable output of electricity and capacity of a wind farm. The below list takes a look at some of the world’s largest wind farms measured by nameplate capacity.

Gansu Wind Farm, China

By far the largest on-shore wind farm in the world is located in power-hungry China. Currently, China receives a large part of its electricity supply from coal-powered plants. All levels of the Chinese government are seeking to develop cleaner technologies to power their consumption. Though it is still under construction, this farm’s capacity is only set to grow until it reaches completion in some years’ time.

Muppandal Wind Farm, India

Much like China, India’s need for electricity and energy is high, and there is much development in the sector. Being more densely populated than China, space is at a greater premium for wind farm developers in the country, but this has not stopped the industry from holding 2 of the top-5 spots for largest wind farms in the world.

Alta Wind Energy Center, USA


Located in California, this wind farm is the third largest wind farm in the world and is still growing to meet the planned targets of 3,000MW. In Recent years much of California has been in a drought, the wind farm has the added benefit of not having to rely on water for cooling as would be the case in nuclear and conventional thermal plants. 

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