LM Wind Power has signed a deal with Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Envision to develop a 71.8-metre blade for Envision’s new 4.5MW offshore platform, followed by a supply agreement from LM Wind’s Jiangyin factory that will require the company to expand the facility by 50%.
The new large-rotor turbine, expected to be installed in the first half of 2018, is designed to effectively serve the Wind Class II and III areas in north China offshore.
Dick Xie , Envision Offshore Business Head, s aid: “Envision has a strong ambition to continue to lead the development of the Chinese offshore wind market and we are pleased to engage in this strategic partnership with LM Wind Power. Our collaboration will ensure high-performing, reliable blades on this new and powerful platform that will contribute to reducing the levelized cost of energy offshore.”
The partnership between the two companies in China dates to the inception of the Jiangyin plant in 2009. Since then, LM Wind has delivered both onshore and offshore blades for Envision turbines, and is currently on the way to meet a milestone of 100 sets of 66.5 metre offshore blades produced.
Alexis Crama , LM Wind Power Vice President Offshore, said: “The Chinese offshore wind market is expected to grow on average by 40% annually for the next five years. LM Wind Power has been part of this journey since the very beginning and we are investing significantly in new product development and technologies for the Chinese market, including manufacturing capacity and people. Together with industry leaders like Envision, we look forward to further accelerating the development of a domestic offshore industry, helping China meet its growing demands for clean, renewable and affordable energy.”
On 18 October, LM Wind Power announced the launch of its longest blade in China, the LM 75.1 P tailor-made blade for Goldwind’s new 6.7MW offshore wind turbine.
LM Wind Power has been present in China since 2001, where it currently employs around 2,500 people. The company operates four blade manufacturing facilities in Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Jiangyin and is ramping up production in Baodi.