GE Energy is hoping that a newly released wind turbine model will help the company boost its credentials in the offshore industry.
The US energy giant unveiled the 4.1-113 offshore wind turbine at the European Wind Energy Association’s (EWEA’s) annual conference in Brussels, and also announced plans to install the first unit in Sweden for Gothenburg utility, Göteborg Energi.
The new 4.1-113 wind turbine is a 4 MW-class machine and is the only direct-drive wind turbine designed specifically for the offshore market, says GE, which is hoping to make inroads into Siemens’ lead in the European offshore wind energy market through €340 million of investment.
“We are proud to announce the next milestone in our offshore strategy plan,” said Victor Abate, Vice President of renewable energy for GE Power & Water. “Our 4.1-113 wind turbine represents our most advanced technology.”
Under a contract with Göteborg Energi, GE is to supply a 4.1-113 wind turbine for installation in the Gothenburg harbour in the second half of 2011. The project is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency.
According to GE, the design of the new wind turbine model is based on that of its 3.5 MW direct-drive wind turbine. Its base design has been operating since 2005 on a coastal site in Norway in an environment with high wind speeds and high levels of turbulence.
