Vestas’ 15-MW prototype is up and running

Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems A/S (CPH:VWS) today said its V236-15.0 MW prototype turbine has been installed at the Østerild National test centre in Western Jutland, Denmark and has produced its first power.

The machine will now go through a test and verification programme to obtain full type certification ahead of starting serial production.

The V236-15.0 MW was launched in February 2021. Vestas has so far secured more than 8 GW of preferred supplier agreements for the turbine in five markets.

The manufacturer says that the V236-15.0 MW offers a capacity factor over 60% and can produce around 80 GWh a year, which is enough power for around 20,000 European households. Its annual generation is 65% higher than the V174-9.5 MW. Vestas estimates that for a 900-MW wind farm, the new 15-MW turbine boost production by 5%, while reducing the number of turbines by 34.

"With this wind turbine we set new standards for technological innovation, industrialisation and scale across renewable energy to create a sustainable offshore wind industry," according to Vestas chief technology officer Anders Nielsen.

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