December 13, 2002—GE Wind Energy, a business unit of GE Power Systems, has developed the first wind turbine over 3 megawatts for commercial power applications. The 3.6-megawatt machine, operating in Spain, is designed and optimized for offshore applications. It has a rotor diameter of 104 meters, a swept area of 8,495 square meters, and is equipped with an optional 40-ton internal crane, allowing for the exchange of all major components without external support by heavy cranes.
“The new 3.6-megawatt machine represents the most advanced wind turbine technology available in the world,” said Steve Zwolinski, GE Wind Energy President and CEO. “With its patented power electronics, variable speed rotor, and specially designed offshore enhancements, it is cost effective, highly reliable, and will provide both ease of installation and maintenance in the remote, offshore environment,”
Once prototype testing is complete, the new wind turbine is expected to be commercially available worldwide in 2004.
