Nordex has installed its first next generation 5MW series turbine at the Genshagener Heide wind farm near Potsdam in Germany.
The German manufacturer said the N149/5.X unit will start operation on schedule this month.
It added that following the installation, preparations start for the measuring and validation programme for the type certification of the N149/5.X.
Nordex said that with mean wind speeds 6.4 metres a second at the hub height of 105 metres the site offers good conditions for measuring the 5.7MW turbine.
The company will also be validating the sound power level and grid compatibility of the turbine on the basis of the measurements recorded in the field, as well as the power curve.
“This means that for the start of the series production in 2021 the turbine will be fully certified, including the type certificate,” Nordex said.
The company added that the N149/5.X is a logical progression based on the successful approach of a flexible rating of the N149/4.0-4.5.
“The turbine is designed for maximum flexibility and can be operated in different modes in the 5MW range, depending on site requirements and customer needs,” it said.
The company added that the turbine has a new and more efficient gearbox and the electrical system of the Delta4000 series is scaled up in order to achieve the high power output in the 5MW series.
Nordex has already received orders for 800MW for the N149/5.X since its launch last year.