European Energy, Vestas to install largest wind turbines offshore Denmark

European Energy has announced its joining forces with Vestas to make Frederikshavn – a city in Denmark – a global focal point for test and demonstration of new offshore wind technology. The joint venture aims at developing and constructing three of Vestas’ newest V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbines at three of the five test positions that are currently under development by European Energy. European Energy has said in its official statement that it has been developing the project for several years.

European Energy CEO, Knud Erik Andersen said, “We look forward to our cooperation with Vestas in turning the city of Frederikshavn into a focal point of future offshore wind turbine technology. If we succeed in constructing these wind turbines off the coast of Frederikshavn, Denmark will position itself as the global center not only of wind turbine development, but also regarding the testing of future offshore wind turbine technology.”

In February of last year, Vestas revealed its latest offshore wind turbine the V236-15.0 MW, and the company is currently producing the first prototype that is expected to be constructed in the Danish onshore test center Osterild later this year.

Christian Gjerlov, Head of Offshore Wind Technology, Vestas, said about the joint venture, “The position will provide us with a unique opportunity to test the offshore wind turbines close to our factories and research facilities in Denmark prior to the serial production and export to the global market.  If the project at Frederikshavn is successfully realized, it will play a key role in our future offshore wind business.”

Vestas aims at using the offshore wind test turbines to prove the viability of the technology in an offshore environment. The technology will also provide early know-how with the installation methods and training of technicians as a means to ensuring that the installation and management of the offshore wind turbines can be done as safely and effectively as possible.

Andersen further added, “We have been looking forward to moving ahead with the project in Frederikshavn not only because the development of new green technology is crucial in our fight against climate change, but also because we see a great potential for turning the city of Frederikshavn into a center of renewable energy in Northern Denmark. If we are successful in constructing the offshore wind turbines, we are planning to move forward with a Power-to-X-facility on the port of Frederikshavn, where we will turn the green power into green fuels that can help the shipping industry run on renewable energy.”