MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has received an order from EDF Energy Renewables for five V164-8.0MW turbines in the UK. The 41.5MW Blyth Offshore Demonstrator Project will test several innovative technologies.
The V164-8.0MW turbines have been optimised for the project, utilising a power mode to be able to deliver a maximum output of 8.3MW. The Blyth Offshore Project will be the first to feature 66 kV electrical infrastructure. The V164-8.0MW turbines feature new transformers and switchgears to enable connection to the 66 kV grid. Use of the 66 kV system allows approximately double the amount of wind turbines to be connected on one equivalent array cable string compared to the existing 33 kV system. Furthermore, the project will utilise gravity base foundations. The hybrid foundation combines the widely used steel reinforced concrete foundation, with the well-known steel monopile, allowing the foundation to be installed in deeper waters (45 m) while eliminating noise from pile hammering during installation. The order includes a 15-year full scope service contract and installation is expected to be in 2017.
