The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has granted GE Vernova’s subsidiary Georgine Wind permission to construct an 18 MW test turbine in Gulen municipality.
This initiative, part of a program to advance offshore wind technology, will feature a turbine with a maximum tip height of 275 meters and a rotor diameter of up to 250 meters.
The turbine is projected to produce 55 GWh annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of about 2,750 Norwegian households.
The unit will be tested for up to five years and is expected to continue generating electricity on land for an additional 25 years.
“This is the largest wind turbine to be licensed in Norway and the first within an existing industrial area,” stated Ann Myhrer Østenby, NVE section manager.
Planned within an existing industrial area in Sløvåg, the project is anticipated to have lower direct impacts compared to other wind turbines, according to NVE.
The Norwegian regulator emphasized that turbine operations must consider coexistence with existing industry.
To mitigate environmental and neighbor impacts, Georgine Wind must implement several measures and prepare a detailed construction plan, as mandated by NVE.
“We require Georgine Wind AS to conduct noise measurements and follow-up investigations for birds and bats. If impacts exceed expectations, measures to reduce inconvenience to nature and neighbors must be taken,” added Østenby.
In March 2023, GE introduced the Haliade-X turbine during an investor call, where Scott L. Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, mentioned the offshore wind market’s positive reception to the Haliade-X, with a capacity of 17-18 MW.
A year later, the company planned a 15.5 MW prototype in Norway after receiving funding approval from Enova, a government-backed agency.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz