SWT-6.0 prototype onshore testing installation.

DONG Energy announced plans to test the 6 MW Siemens next generation offshore wind turbine at the company's Gunfleet Sands offshore site near the coast of South East England. This is the first time the new Siemens turbines will be deployed and tested in offshore conditions.

Two 6 MW offshore wind turbines will be installed for testing purposes at Gunfleet Sands 3 demonstration project. The goal is to proceed with the industrialization of the offshore wind industry, which in turn will help reduce the cost of electricity generated this way. The new units are to be installed and spinning in November this year. Construction is to start soon, this May. Testing activities will include monitoring performance, reliability and functionality. These are not the only Siemens 6 MW units being tested though, as a single SWT-6.0 wind turbine is being tested in Denmark, at the onshore test center in Hovsore.

[source: DONG Energy]