REpower Systems AG (WKN 617703) has successfully installed the first of six wind energy turbines for the Belgian offshore wind farm Thornton Bank.

The project, at about 30 km off the coast, is the first Belgian offshore wind farm. The multi-megawatt turbine which has just been erected in Belgium is number twelve of the type REpower 5M installed by the Hamburg-based company. Gravity based foundations were erected and carried out to sea to form the foundation for the six wind turbines in Thornton Bank. The installation method planned for Thornton Bank is one where various components are assembled individually: After erecting the two-part tower and the nacelle, the final stage involves lifting the rotor, already completely pre-assembled on land, into place. All work at sea is performed in a water depth of around 25 metres using jack-up drilling platforms.