GE has dispatched a blade and a nacelle for its Haliade-X 12MW platform for testing at two different sites in Europe.
The nacelle left GE facilities in Saint Nazaire, France, on Monday and will be taken to Rotterdam where it will be installed at an onshore prototype of the machine.
The prototype is due to enter operation this year and will help GE obtain a type certificate for its new platform.
GE has also shipped a 107-metre long blade for the Haliade-X from LM fabrictaion facilities in Cherbourg to ORE Catapult’s R&D centre in Blyth, where it will undergo testing.
“A full range of advanced testing procedures will demonstrate the blade’s ability to withstand peak wind conditions and to simulate readiness for years of operation at sea,” GE said.
The company said it will soon dispatch a further three blades to be installed on the prototype in Rotterdam.