Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine HAWT
This type of wind turbine is the most common and seen across Europe. In simple terms it is 'a wind turbine whose rotor axis is substantially parallel to the wind flow.' (Wind Energy - The Facts. March 2009. A European project financed by the Intelligent Energy).
In general HAWTs used on an industrial scale, such offshore location are most commonly placed upwind, that is to say that the rotor bladed are positioned in front of the tower to face the wind, with the gear and generation system behind. These upwind HAWTs are most popular as the offer higher energy efficiencies because the wind hits the blades directly as opposed to hitting the mechanism first and then the blades as is the case with downwind turbines. The advantage of down wind turbines is that they can pivot in the direction of the wind by using only the wind, as a sail might do by catching the air behind, upwind turbines need to be mechanically turned to face the wind.
Both upwind and and downwind HAWTs can have varying numbers of blades, normally two or three spaced evenly, but single blade turbines do exist as well as small fan turbines with a higher number of blades spaced evenly around the central nose.
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.