Vestas, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, has just started the testing phases of its latest prototype.
In development for several years, it should soon stand up in several offshore parks and give a boost to the renewable energy industry as Europe is in the midst of an energy crisis.
Record dimensions for record production
With its 280 meters high, this wind turbine is close to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But that’s not counting its 115.5 meter long blades, which makes it the largest structure of this type in the world. Its manufacturer announces, ideally, a production of 80 GWh per year, enough to supply 20,000 homes… by wind turbine. It claims to save 38,000 tons of carbon dioxide in the same time, which would be equivalent to the annual consumption of nearly 25,000 combustion cars.
Installed at the Østerild test center in Denmark, it will undergo an extensive test program before its series production begins in mid-2023. With such figures announced, Vestas is already filling its order book. This first model of the V236, designed for offshore sites, should make its debut at a wind farm in Denmark before being implemented elsewhere in Europe and off the east coast of the United States.
New industry standards
Vestas has a history of bringing innovation to its industry. In 2020, the company is committed to improving the recyclability of its products while embarking on new projects such as the design of robots to help maintain its wind turbines. The V236 is part of this dynamic, and Anders Nielsen, technical director of the group, took advantage of its first commissioning to declare: ” With this wind turbine, we are setting new standards in technological innovation, industrialization and scale in renewable energy to create a sustainable offshore wind industry. »
The offshore wind sector is indeed booming. As proof, Vestas posted record financial results in the last quarter of 2022. With more reliable production and innovations meeting expectations, such as floating wind power, it seems well on its way to being a little more present offshore our coasts, but also in the energy landscape.
Source : Electrek
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