Megawatt (MW)
The megawatt is a unit of power, used for power plant output, wind turbines, and data center capacity. Its symbol is MW.
MW
kW
1 megawatt equals
| Kilowatts | 1,000 kW |
| Horsepower | 1,341.02 hp |
| Watts | 1,000,000 W |
About the megawatt
The megawatt scale became necessary as power stations grew during the 20th century electrification of cities and industry.
In everyday use the megawatt appears in power plant output, wind turbines, and data center capacity. As a point of reference: a modern offshore wind turbine produces up to 15 MW.