Danish energy company Dong has agreed to help Vestas test the prototype V164 8MW offshore turbine at the manufacturer's onshore test centre in Østerild, Denmark. Testing was originally due to take place at an offshore site off of the Danish town of Frederikshavn.
Dong said it was decided to bring the testing to Østerild as the majority of tests planned at Frederikshavn could be achieved onshore. The turbine was scheduled for installation in 2013 in 15-20 metres of water at Dong Energy's Frederikshavn demonstration site 4.5km offshore, where it has permission to install a total of six turbines.
The first V164 prototype is set for Q2 2014. In a statement, Dong said that "if the tests are positive there may be interest in further test and possibly commercial collaboration between the two companies".
Dong CEO Henrik Poulsen said: "The cooperation with Vestas on the V164-8MW turbine is very exciting. We look forward to give our input to the development of Vestas’ next-generation wind turbine, as large turbines, dedicated to offshore conditions, contribute to more competitive offshore wind turbine technology."
Dong confirmed to Windpower Offshore last month that its strategy was based on 6-8MW class machines. In July, the developer signed a framework agreement with German turbine manufacturer Siemens for 300 of its new 6MW offshore turbines.
Vestas CEO, Ditlev Engel said: "The turbine represents a great opportunity for both our companies and having Dong Energy so closely involved in the test activities will be valuable for us both."
Earlier this year, Vestas put back the development of the V164 by a year. It also cancelled plans to build an assembly plant at Sheerness in southeast England.
