In a move to gain independence in manufacturing wind turbines, Germany-based Prokon says it will partner with The Switch for its permanent-magnet generators (PMG) and full-power converters. For The Switch, this is the second contract with a German customer for a direct drive, 3-MW PMG. For Prokon, this opens new markets. The generator and…
Norway plans a 3-MW direct drive now, 6 later
The magic number in the wind industry must be 6 MW. Norwegian start-up, Blaaster Wind Technologies, is working with AS Delprodukt Verdal to construct a 3MW direct drive wind-turbine prototype for Norwegian weather. The Blaaster DL100, with a development and test budget of NOK 86 million, may be ready by 2012. The turbine will…
6-MW direct-drive turbines the new norm for offshore
In two separate developments regarding direct drives, two companies say they are aiming at 6-MW ratings for offshore designs. In one, France-based turbine manufacturer Alstom and EDF Energies Nouvelles agreed to bid jointly on 3 GW of offshore construction. The consortium says it hopes to win tenders to build a third of the 3 GW…