The funding from Enova will contribute to the construction of a 10 MW wind turbine in
Øygarden in Hordaland County, where the new technology will be tested on land
over the next two years. The wind turbine will be the world's largest of its kind, with a
rotor diameter of 145 metres. In cooperation with the Norwegian technology firm
Smartmotor AS, Sway has developed the concept with a view towards reducing
turbine weight and the number of moving parts, as well as the use of a gearless
generator system. Overall, the concept will result in higher energy generation for
offshore wind power, and thus also lower operating costs. As many as 35-40
engineers have taken part in the work to develop the concept that will now undergo
testing.
"Enova is dedicated to helping promote projects that can bring us closer to achieving
the goal of commercial generation of offshore wind power. We regard this specific
project as being very exciting. It represents a considerable ramping up of current
technology, in which diverse Norwegian expert communities have cooperated to
develop a totally new wind turbine design," says Nils Kristian Nakstad, Enova's
executive director.
Funding for the project has been provided under Enova's support program
Renewable marine power generation, launched in February 2009.
"There are many smart concepts aimed at exploiting the renewable energy potential
along the coast and offshore. The goal of the program is to demonstrate and
introduce innovative new energy solutions to the market by showcasing projects
which can help qualify the technology in the form of energy results and operational
.JPG)
