DONG Energy and Siemens have entered into an agreement for testing and research and development involving 6 MW offshore wind turbines. Under the agreement, Siemens is to supply two of these test turbines to DONG Energy, which will used them for research and development purposes.

The new 6.0 MW models are expected to be easier to maintain and services, featuring a direct drive technology (no gearbox). The two turbines will be installed at DONG Energy's demonstration sites in the UK and in Denmark. A number of tests will be performed to collect observations and data regarding the performance of the 6 MW units, and this data will be used in research involving DONG Energy's future offshore wind farm endavors.

Additionally, Siemens is to install an updated 3.6 MW unit at DONG's Avedøre Home test site. These three turbines, and their construction, represent an investment of about DKK 450 million (EUR 60 million) by DONG Energy.

[source: DONG Energy]