A blade for GE Renewable Energy’s 12MW Haliade-X offshore wind turbine has arrived at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) in Boston for testing.
The 107-metre unit will undergo a series of fatigue tests that involve moving it millions of times over the period of a few months to validate that it can withstand more than 25 years of operation at sea.
GE said the testing is part of the process of commercialising the Haliade-X by 2021.
GE chairman and chief executive Lawrence Culp said: “This has really been a collaborative effort on the part of the company to be part of solving the challenges associated with the energy transition.
“We think the Haliade-X is the right turbine at the right time as the offshore industry globally and particularly here in the US is poised to take off.
“We’re proud Boston is part of this effort, and we appreciate the work the Commonwealth has put forth in laying out the roadmap by which Massachusetts can be a leading developer and user of offshore wind technology.”
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said: “The arrival of General Electric’s innovative wind blade technology in the Commonwealth signals Massachusetts’ continued leadership in the emerging US offshore wind industry.
“Offshore wind represents an important energy source as the Commonwealth works to meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, and we look forward to working with the industry to drive down costs, improve efficiency and develop of a hub of activity here in Massachusetts.”
GE Renewable Energy offshore wind business chief executive John Lavelle said: “We believe the Haliade-X has a key role to play in driving the growth of the offshore wind market in the US and globally.
“Because it is the most powerful machine in the industry, it allows our customers to drive down the cost of wind energy and speed the adoption of clean, renewable energy.
“We look forward to working with our partners at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s WTTC to put the blade through rigorous testing that will help ensure that it will perform as designed.”