Danish turbine specialist ZF Group has broken ground on its new test and prototype centre for wind turbines in Belgium.
The facility in Lommel is backed by a €50m from the company as well as a €2m of investment by the Flemish Government.
It will feature a validation back-to-back test rig, component test benches for bearings and gears, no load test setups as well as an assembly and instrumentation area, allowing it to test gearboxes and complete powertrains up to 30MW.
The facility is expected to be operational by mid-2024.
WindEurope said: “Europe wants 1,300 GW of wind energy capacity by 2050.
“Countries have pledged big onshore wind expansion volumes and more countries are also starting to build offshore wind.
“At the same time, technology is evolving and turbines are increasing in size.
“Extensive testing and validation are key to ensuring the safe and seamless operation of these modern onshore and offshore wind turbines.”