Vestas’ prototype V236-15MW turbine has successfully produced its first kWh after being installed at the Osterild National test centre in Western Jutland, Denmark.
The prototype will now undergo an extensive test and verification programme to ensure reliability before full type certification and serial production begins.
Development and assembly work on the turbine took place across Vestas’ R&D and production sites in Denmark.
The blade moulds have been developed at Vestas’ blade factory in Lem and the 115.5m long prototype blades have been manufactured at Vestas’ offshore blade factory in Nakskov.
The prototype nacelle was developed and assembled at the offshore nacelle factory in Lindo port of Odense.
The test programme for the generator, converter and grid system integration has already started at LORC test facility in Denmark.
Launched in February 2021, Vestas has until now announced preferred supplier agreements for the V236-15MW turbine for a total of more than 8GW in five different markets.
Anders Nielsen, Vestas Chief Technology Officer, said: “This is a great step forward in our ambition to accelerate the green energy transition and it is a major milestone for Vestas and our partners.
“Colleagues across Vestas have worked very hard and collaborated closely to ensure the rapid progress in developing and assembling the V236-15MW prototype, and this achievement is a testament to the dedicated work of the many Vestas employees involved.
“With this wind turbine we set new standards for technological innovation, industrialisation and scale across renewable energy to create a sustainable offshore wind industry.”