Senvion SE has started to install the prototype of its new 6.2M152. With this turbine, the company is setting new standards for efficient electricity generation in offshore wind farms.
In a first step, the access routes to the Langen-Neuenwalde location (20 km north of Bremerhaven) are being built. The turbine is scheduled to begin operations at the end of October 2014. Starting in 2015, the Senvion 6.2M152 will enter commercial production.
The company announced the new turbine in November 2013. Compared with its predecessor, the rotor star will be increased from 126 metres in diameter to 152 metres. This will increase the swept area by about 50 per cent, making it the size of three football pitches. Energy yield will be increased by up to 20 per cent at a wind speed of 9.5m/s. The turbine will have a rated power of 6.15 megawatts, enabling it to supply around 4,000 homes with electricity. The nacelle of the turbine alone is the size of two detached houses.
Andreas Nauen, CEO of Senvion SE , explains: “This is an exceptional project, because the prototype has already been sold to EWE ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN GmbH and will be used commercially. The customer is placing trust in us, which we are justifying with a certified, validated and high-performance turbine. We are the world’s only provider with experience with this turbine, thanks to more than 100 turbines installed.”
EWE ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN GmbH is already operating a 5 megawatt Senvion turbine in close proximity to the newly selected location. Dr Jörg Buddenberg, Managing Director of EWE ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN GmbH, says: “With the alpha ventus and Riffgat projects, EWE is truly a pioneer in developing German offshore projects. We are pleased to continue this trend by constructing this innovative turbine.”