GE Renewable Energy revealed the first manufactured components of the Haliade-X 12-MW offshore wind turbine at its production site in Saint-Nazaire, France.
GE Renewable Energy said the nacelle will be shipped from Saint-Nazaire to Rotterdam-Maasvlakte in the Netherlands in the coming weeks, where the Haliade-X 12-MW prototype is being tested on land.
The prototype will be installed on land to simplify access for testing. This initial phase is designed to allow GE Renewable Energy to obtain the data required to receive its type certification—a key component prior to commercializing the product in 2021.
In parallel, a second Haliade-X 12 MW nacelle is currently being assembled at Saint-Nazaire, prior to dispatch to the ORE Catapult test center at Blyth, in the United Kingdom, in the coming months. The nacelle will be testing in actual operational conditions to reduce the time required to confirm its performance levels and reliability.
The Saint-Nazaire production site is dedicated to manufacturing offshore wind turbine generators and nacelles and has already assembled over 80 Haliade 150-6MW wind turbines since opening in December 2014.
The Haliade-X 12 MW’s market-leading nacelle and 107-m long blades will allow GE Renewable Energy customers to generate more power more effectively, in an environment in which they face increased competition.
Jérôme Pécresse, GE Renewable Energy CEO, said: "Today's presentation of the first ever Haliade-X 12 MW nacelle at Saint-Nazaire is the start of a key new phase in our ongoing commitment to structuring the offshore wind turbine segment. This project clearly reflects our ability to invest and innovate, supporting our customers on an ultra-competitive market in exponential growth."
He added: "Thanks to the Haliade-X 12 MW, we are proud to prepare for the future of the offshore wind industry from Saint-Nazaire, a benchmark production site for offshore wind international projects."