Spain-based Siemens Gamesa has achieved type certification for its SG 14-236 DD model, marking a significant milestone for one of the industry’s most powerful offshore wind turbines. With a nameplate output of 14 MW, the turbine can boost its capacity to 15 MW, addressing the growing demand for increased electricity generation with fewer turbines.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The SG 14-236 DD model boasts a 30% increase in annual energy production compared to its 11 MW predecessor, thanks to its impressive 774-foot rotor diameter. The turbine’s 377-foot-long blades sweep an area of 43,500 square meters, with one rotation capable of powering a household for three days.
Gearless Design and Recyclable Blades
The turbine’s direct drive design eliminates the need for a gearbox, utilizing a permanent magnet generator to reduce maintenance requirements. Siemens Gamesa’s IntegralBlade process creates blades in a single cast, enhancing durability by preventing weak joints. Additionally, the High-Wind Ride Through system ensures stable output during high wind speeds by gradually ramping down production when wind speeds exceed 25 meters per second.
RecyclableBlade Technology
A standout feature of the SG 14-236 DD is its RecyclableBlade technology. This innovation involves a resin that allows the separation of materials—plastic, metals, fiberglass, and wood—after the blades are immersed in a mild acidic solution, enabling these materials to be repurposed in other industries, such as automotive and consumer products.
High-Profile Projects
Several major projects have already commissioned the SG 14-236 DD turbines:
Windanker Project: Iberdrola’s 315 MW project in the German Baltic Sea will feature 21 units of the SG 14-236 DD.
Gennaker Development: An upgrade to 63 SG 14-236 DD turbines for the 945 MW project off Germany’s coast.
Thor Offshore Wind Farm: Located in Denmark’s North Sea, this 1.1 GW farm will install 72 turbines, powering over 1 million homes by 2027.
Bałtyk II and Bałtyk III: Siemens Gamesa will supply 100 turbines for these Polish projects, totaling 1.44 GW and powering over 2 million households by 2027.
Hornsea 3 Project: Ørsted’s 2.9 GW project off the Yorkshire coast will feature Siemens’ 14 MW turbines, scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2027.
East Anglia-3 Development: Part of the 2.9 GW East Anglia Hub, this project will deploy 95 SG 14-236 DD turbines to generate power for 1.3 million homes by 2026.
Competitive Edge
Siemens Gamesa’s new turbine model competes with offerings from other industry leaders, such as Vestas’ 15 MW model and GE Vernova’s Haliade-X turbine. The SG 14-236 DD is suitable for both high and low wind markets, making it a versatile choice for various offshore wind projects across Europe.
As Siemens Gamesa continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the SG 14-236 DD stands out as a powerful and efficient solution for the growing offshore wind energy sector.