Siemens’ 7MW offshore wind turbine has passed final type certification as it nears the final stages of development.
The company has also extended field testing of the SWT 7.0 154 unit, with a second prototype installed at the test site in Østerild, Denmark.
The first prototype, which was installed in summer 2015, was initially used for achieving the final type certificate. Engineers are now able to use both prototypes for accelerated testing of all grid-related aspects such as performance, quality and safety.
The company added that obtaining type certification marked the final milestone in the development process, “allowing customers to make final investment decisions for offshore projects”.
Serial production of the 7MW turbine is scheduled to begin in autumn 2017.
The first orders are already in place for the new turbine including the Walney Extension East project in the UK to be installed in early 2018.
Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division head of technology Morten Rasmussen said: “The development of our SWT 7.0 154 has reached the final stage and we are well on track.
“We are proud to see our customers welcoming the upgrade, and ultimately it is our customers who will benefit from these improvements.”
Image: Siemens
