Abstract By continuing to use fossil fuels we are bound to pollute the atmosphere, and consequently, unwanted greenhouse and climate change effects will come to dominate every part of the earth. Wind power energy represents an interesting alternative to traditional forms of obtaining energy. However, the efficiency of wind power strongly depends on the control methods that play a significant role in eliminating the perturbing factors, decreasing the structural loads and increasing the amount and quality of the energy that is produced. A design of a model based control algorithm for a horizontal wind turbine is proposed. In a model-based control approach, increased model accuracy implies reduced uncertainty. The paper will include an analysis of the advantages that may arise from using such a control technique and also will focus on the robustness of the closed loop system.