Siemens unveils new 8 MW offshore wind turbine

German engineering giant Siemens has unveiled its new 8 MW offshore wind turbine which could play a significant role in achieving grid parity for offshore wind.

The new turbine is part of the company’s technological drive for offshore and onshore wind turbines, and “represents yet another significant step towards grid parity for offshore wind.”

Siemens said that the first SWT-8.0-154 turbine will be installed in early 2017.

The new model is expected to provide up to 10 per cent higher annual energy production in offshore wind conditions, compared to the company’s 7 MW model.

Crucially, the new 8 MW model is also expected to deliver a reduction in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE).

Michael Hannibal, CEO for Offshore at Siemens’ Wind Power and Renewables Division, said: “We are relentlessly working on lowering the levelized cost of energy, and the offshore direct drive platform enables us to do this with the lowest possible risk.”

Mr Hannibal added: “With the same proven reliability as our successful 6 and 7-MW models, the SWT-8.0-154 will be the new benchmark for gearless offshore wind technology on the market.”

The turbine will use innovative new magnet technology which enables a rated power increase of more than 14 per cent over its 7 MW predecessor.