Vestas and DONG Energy will test the V164-7.0 MW offshore wind turbine at DONG Energy’s demonstration site in the waters off Frederikshavn, Denmark. The V164-7.0 MW turbine is scheduled for installation in 2013 at the demonstration site.
The world’s biggest and most experienced offshore wind operator, DONG Energy, wants to install Vestas’ biggest offshore turbine in order to test the reliability of the 7.0MW platform. This will happen in 2013 at the demonstration site in Frederikshavn, Denmark.
While the offshore wind industry is moving towards a new generation of larger output turbines, most utilities and investors are awaiting concrete findings from actual sea tests and the subsequent validations of business case certainty and reliability targets. Paving the way for the industry is DONG Energy and Vestas as the first V164-7.MW turbine is to be installed in a close partnership between the two companies.
The two pioneers within offshore wind now share a common goal to test the reliability of the new turbine at sea in order verify the V164-7.0MW turbine performance ability to operate in North Sea conditions. The outcome of the test will allow DONG Energy to create a strong business case in a competitive energy market and is also a milestone for the whole industry.
“This agreement is extremely important, not only for Vestas and DONG Energy but for the offshore industry as a whole. It is of great significance since the joint testing of the V164 turbine will enable us to learn from each other. And the vast experience both companies have in regards to offshore wind can be put to good use in the development of our future offshore turbines, and thereby, help bring down the Cost of Energy,” says Nils Overgaard, Key Account Director for DONG Energy at Vestas Offshore.
Proven technology counts
The desire to develop new technology in offshore wind is high as the market foresees a growth potential on a global scale with access to both shallow and deep waters. However, a main challenge for many turbine suppliers is rooted in their limited ability to show proven technology – that is technology which has withstood testing and shown a strong business case certainty for utilities and developers.
While opinions in the industry vary on the methodology of proven offshore technology, there is general consensus that it is extremely important to share proven technology findings as this will create technology transparency and thus attract investors and insurance companies to see the potentials of the offshore energy resource. Hence, the agreement between DONG Energy and Vestas will help to pave the way for the V164-7.0 MW.Nils Overgaard concludes: “Trust is very important when it comes to defining proven technology. This partnership with DONG Energy will allow the customer a close insight into the turbine – based on this, we expect DONG Energy to gain the confidence needed in the Vestas technology to take the collaboration even further. It is easier for our customers to make big investments when they know the turbine inside-out and understand the commercial project of the V164 – and this announcement is indeed a milestone supporting this journey.”
