Siemens has signed a contract to supply 300 wind turbines with a total capacity of 1,800MW to Dong Energy.
Under the contract, Siemens will install the SWT-6.0-154 direct drive turbines in wind power plants off the coast of the UK between 2014 and 2017.
Michael Suess, Siemens Energy Sector CEO, said offshore wind conditions are strong and can enable about 40% higher energy yields than onshore.
“The United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany in particular are counting on the future of offshore wind energy,” Suess added.
The SWT-6.0-154 direct drive wind turbine has a rotor blade span of 75m in length and rotor diameter of 154m, with a swept area of more than 18,600m2.
According to Siemens, the 6MW wind turbine generates enough electricity to meet power needs of about 6,000 European households, and is specifically designed for offshore use.
Dong Energy CEO Carsten Krogsgaard Thomsen said the agreement will enable the company to install a larger and more efficient wind turbine from 2014 compared to the current ones.
“The agreement is a key element of Dong Energy’s objective to significantly expand offshore wind and strengthen our position as market leader within offshore wind,” Thomsen added.
Two of the new 6MW wind turbines will be installed by Dong Energy for testing at Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm later this year.