Forty years ago, a man in Scotland, tired of his oil lamp, decided to build his own wind turbine. This man was Hugh Piggott. Self-taught and visionary, he started making his own wind turbines in the late 1980s. After seven unsuccessful attempts, he finally succeeded in designing a functional model.
Piggott wind turbines stand out for their simplicity, robustness, and reliability. Ranging from 200W to 2000W, these machines have become a benchmark in the field of small wind energy. Through his open-source model, Piggott has enabled thousands of people around the world to build DIY wind turbines, making wind energy accessible to all.
His book, “Building a Wind Turbine,” is a comprehensive practical guide that helps enthusiasts build their own home wind turbine. Today, the movement he started continues to inspire new generations of innovators and renewable energy enthusiasts.
Hugh Piggott is not just a pioneer but a true revolutionary in the field of renewable energies, proving that with a little tenacity and creativity, anyone can contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Hugh Piggott: the birth of a passion for wind energy
Hugh Piggott was born and raised in Scotland, a country where the winds hit the coasts with strength and regularity. As a young adult, he became fascinated by mechanics and the possibility of extracting energy from natural elements. During the 1980s, he felt a deep desire to become self-sufficient, growing tired of dependency on a simple technology like the oil lamp he used daily. The quest for energy independence led him to build his first wind turbine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, Piggott continued refining his techniques. In 1990, he built his first functional model. This success marked the beginning of his significant contribution to the world of renewable energy. He proved to be not only a tenacious inventor but also a passionate self-taught individual, determined to share his knowledge. Learn more about Hugh Piggott.
The revolution of small domestic wind turbines
One of Piggott‘s greatest contributions is his open-source wind turbine model. This model has allowed countless DIY enthusiasts to build their own wind turbines. The models range from 200W to 2000W, meeting a variety of domestic and community energy needs. This has led to the emergence of thousands of small units worldwide. Learn more about Piggott’s models.
A global influence and community projects
Hugh Piggott did not merely create wind turbines. He also contributed to educational and community projects, transforming local energy management. His hands-on and pedagogical approach has allowed him to create workshops, such as the one presented at YouFactory in 2019, where he shared his techniques with a broad audience.
The impact of his work transcends Scottish borders. He has conducted workshops in various countries, training local groups to become energy independent. His philosophy is based on self-sufficiency, community resilience, and a deep connection with the environment. This makes him a respected and essential figure in the field of renewable energies.
Piggott’s work has also inspired numerous collaborative and innovative projects, such as the initiative to create an Autonomous Pleasure Fort. This project aims to establish ecological and autonomous spaces using technologies developed by pioneers like Hugh Piggott.
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