Siemens Gamesa's 21 MW Offshore Wind Turbine Prototype Begins Testing in Denmark
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has initiated testing of its latest prototype, a 21 MW offshore wind turbine, at the Osterild test facility in Denmark. The turbine’s nacelle, transported from the Brande facility, required extensive logistical adjustments, including dismantling lamp posts and widening roundabouts along its route. Once at Osterild, it will be mounted on a 170-meter tower already installed at the site.
The project, supported by EUR 30 million from the EU Innovation Fund under the HIPPOW (Highly Innovative Prototype of the most Powerful Offshore Wind turbine generator) initiative, aims to validate the turbine's design. Siemens Gamesa expects the installation to be completed by December 31, 2024, and thorough testing will determine its potential for commercial use.
Chinese manufacturers, however, have set a high benchmark. Dongfang Electric Corporation unveiled a 26 MW offshore turbine in Fujian province, featuring a rotor diameter of over 310 meters. Mingyang Smart Energy's MySE 18.X-20MW model, with a diameter of up to 292 meters, and its planned 22 MW turbine with a 310-meter diameter further underscore China's leadership in offshore wind technology.
In Europe, the V236-15.0 MW turbine from Vestas remains the largest operational model, with a 236-meter rotor diameter. Siemens Gamesa’s 21 MW prototype, if successful, will position the company competitively in the global offshore wind market.
Source: Gramwzielone