The final choice of blade diameter and tower height for series production of the Bonus 2 MW turbine was due to be made last month. Bonus took the chance of the Husum trade fair (Windpower Monthly, October 1999) to hold discussions with partners and suppliers about the Danish machine's specifications. The results are now being considered. Erich Grunwaldt, of wind project planner AN Windenergie, which supplies Bonus turbines on the German market, says problems of public acceptance and aesthetics must first be addressed in relation to the large machines. A prototype of the 2 MW has been in operation at the Wilhelmshaven test field since December. A pre-series batch of five machines is planned for installation in the summer and autumn of next year by AN Windenergie. Three sites have been booked, and the company is seeking investors for the two other machines. Marketing and series production of the 2 MW model is planned for 2001, with the first 30 machines being used to further optimise operation, says Grunwaldt. Only then will it be given a price tag.
