A prototype 8 MW offshore wind turbine is up and running, making it the world's most powerful wind turbine in operation.
Vestas says that testing and installation of its first V164-8.0 MW turbine, installed at the Danish National Test Centre for Large Wind Turbines in Østerild, has gone to plan. The turbine will be "closely monitored in the coming months to further validate reliability and energy output", said the firm.
The operation of the wind turbine is a key milestone in Vestas' plans to boost its business and take advantage of opportunities in the offshore wind sector, where turbine unit sizes are increasing.
Recently Gamesa and Areva announced plans to merge their offshore wind businesses in a bid to accelerate technology development, particularly their 5 MW and 8 MW turbine platforms.
Vestas says that the V164-8.0 MW turbine will be the "flagship product" of its offshore joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
With a 140 m tower, the turbine at Østerild has a tip height of 220 m. It has a swept area of more than 21 000 sq. m, equal to three football pitches. The size of the unit will help operators to capture large amounts of energy from the wind while reducing operational and maintenance costs.
Serial production of the V164-8.0 MW turbine could begin in 2015, says Vestas.
Photo: The first V164-8.0 MW turbine installed at the Danish National Test Centre for Large Wind Turbines in Østerild (Source: Vestas)
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