Wind turbines. Darrieus vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). Each has four curved blades that are attached at either end to a vertical rod around which they rotate. Heavy equipment like gearboxes and generating machinery can be put near to the ground, reducing the structural support the turbines require. They also work equally well regardless of the wind direction. However, they are not self starting and are vulnerable to damage in high winds. The turbines, owned by Sustainable Energy Technologies, form an experimental 1.5 MW wind power plant in Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada. This design was proposed by the Frenchman Georges Darrieus in 1931.