The 6MW direct-drive turbine was launched in June this year with a 120-metre rotor. It will replace the company's popular 3.6MW offshore machine.
In comparison, Vestas, Nordex and Alstom are bringing out next generation offshore turbines 164, 150, and 150-metre rotors respectively.
Siemens claims the 6MW turbine has only half as many moving parts as a geared turbine of the same class. Additionally all of the electrical components are stored in the nacelle.
Speaking to Windpower Monthly in June, Siemens chief technology officer Henrik Stiesdal said the turbine design was influenced by the SWT 3.0 101 design.
He said: "The prototype rotor blade and rotor hub are similar to those of an SWT-3.6-120. The water-cooled permanent magnet generator is based upon the same design principles but is longer, has more poles, and the outer diameter is 6.5m."
Last month, US developer Deepwater Wind signed a 30MW deal with Siemens for the 6MW offshore turbine. It is Siemens first supply contract for the 6MW machine, which will be installed at the project between 2013 and 2014.
For more see, The Next Generation Offshore Turbines
