DONG Energy will be the first to test the Siemens “next generation” offshore wind turbines in the UK.

The offshore wind developer will install two 6MW turbines at their Gunfleet Sands site and will check turbine performance, reliability and functionality. DONG Energy hopes this project will further develop the offshore wind industry and help bring down the cost of energy.

Morten Buchgreitz, Deputy CEO of DONG Energy said: “The Round 3 projects in the UK are in deeper waters and will have a much bigger capacity than existing wind farms so the technology will increase in capacity as well. This demonstration project aligns with DONG Energy’s ambitions to steer development in the wind industry towards industrialisation to make offshore wind power even more competitive.”

The construction of the turbines is due to start next month.