Enercon will deliver two 5 MW Kaplan turbines which allow for an average annual yield of 42 GWh, about 10% more than previous turbine concepts had envisaged. The turbines will run at a much lower speed than in previous designs and will use the gearless design of Enercon's wind turbines. The speed variability increases yield compared to a turbine with a rigid coupling, as tidal differences in the water flow at the weir can be exploited more efficiently.
"This project marks the beginning: Enercon is becoming serious about hydropower," said company founder Aloys Wobben, adding that the Weser plant will be proof of concept.
Construction should start in the spring of 2008 with commissioning due at the end of 2009.
"Beside the very good power yield, Enercon's concept has convinced us by further improving fish life protection," said Hucky Heck, managing director of Weserkraftwerk.
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