DONG will engage in a number of test activities with Vestas, with the aim of accelerating the development of the turbine.
The V164-8.0 MW will have 80 m blades and is designed to maximise the amount of energy capture, reduce operations and maintenance costs by enabling customers to run fewer, larger turbines, and maximise the return on investment thanks to a 25 year structural life. Based on the potential market size, the V164-8.0 MW business case is based on Europe and primarily the Northern European markets.
“Through this agreement, DONG Energy becomes involved earlier in Vestas´ development of the V164-8.0 MW offshore wind turbine than previously envisaged,” DONG said in a statement. “This ensures DONG Energy a detailed understanding of and experience with Vestas’ new offshore wind turbine at an early stage.”
Construction of the first V164-8.0 MW prototypes is expected in 2014.
The first 8 MW turbine will be installed and commissioned at Østerild during the second quarter of 2014, and if the results are positive further tests and commercial collaboration between the two companies could follow.
