DONG Energy installs ‘next generation’ turbines

DONG Energy has installed two “next generation” wind turbines (pictured) at its Gunfleet Sands site, which is believed to help cut the cost of energy in offshore wind. The Danish […]

DONG Energy has installed two “next generation” wind turbines (pictured) at its Gunfleet Sands site, which is believed to help cut the cost of energy in offshore wind.

The Danish firm claims the 6MW Siemens turbines are the “first two turbines of their kind to be installed offshore in the world” and will go through a demonstration programme at the wind farm, which provides renewable electricity to around 125,000 households.

Benj Sykes, DONG Energy Wind Power’s UK Country Manager said: “The Gunfleet Sands demonstration project is a big step in reducing the cost of energy in offshore wind. Turbines with a bigger output means that it would need half the number of inter-array cables and half the number of foundations compared with the standard turbines used offshore today and will make these next generation offshore turbines contribute to reducing the cost of energy from offshore wind.”

DONG Energy recently announced it has signed an agreement with Siemens to deliver 300 6MW turbines for exclusive use at the firm’s projects in the UK. Energy Secretary Ed Davey welcomed the news and said the company’s investment and innovation is a “vote of confidence” in the UK energy market.

The Gunfleet Sands 3 demonstration project is located 8.5 km south east of Clacton on Sea.

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