Giant turbine breaks offshore power record

News

A giant offshore wind turbine developed by Danish firm MHI Vestas Offshore has set a new record for wind power from a single turbine over a 24 hour period.

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The prototype Østerild turbine broke the record on the Thursday 1st December 2016 when it produced 216,000kWh over a 24 hour period.

The turbine is based on the V164-8.0MW, a machine already installed at the 258MW Burbo Bank Extension off the coast of Liverpool. The installation is scheduled for completion in early 2017, and will deliver green energy for over 230,000 homes in the UK.

Originally described as an 8MW turbine, the prototype system has since been uprated as the company says it can reach to 9MW in specific conditions.

MHI Vestas claims that its increased energy production will add greater value for many projects and save on Capital Expenditure costs as fewer machines will be needed to meet park capacity.

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The 8MW turbines on which the new system is based in-situ at the Burbo Bank extension

“Our prototype at Østerild sets yet another record for power production, producing 216,000kWh over a 24 hour period,” said said Torben Hvid Larsen, CTO. “We are confident that the 9MW machine has now proven that it is ready for the market and we believe that our wind turbine will play an integral part in enabling the offshore industry to continue to drive down the cost of energy.”