France: Preliminary Analysis Shows VAWT Could Have Lower Costs

The Vertiwind project that involves the testing of a 2 MW prototype VAWT (vertical-axis wind turbine) has recently been launched by the French companies Technip and Nénuphar.

Currently a 35 kW VAWT prototype is being tested onshore at Boulogne-sur-Mer by Nénuphar, the company responsible for the design and development of the turbine, which will be followed by testing of the 2 MW system offshore in the Mediterranean.

The EcoGeneration reports that the first Nénuphar’s analysis implies that VAWT will demand lower investment and operating costs and result in a high energy yield. Being carried out in parallel with the floater, designed by Technip, it fulfils all of the offshore requirements of accessibility and undemanding maintenance.

VAWT is also less sensitive to platform pitching motion and its centre of gravity is lower than for a HAWT. Moreover, with a tip height of 100 metres, it has a lower visual impact.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, May 29, 2012; Image: Nénuphar