Windpower Monthly magazine recently named the Siemens Gamesa SG 8.0-167 wind turbine as Best Offshore Turbine for 2018. This machine stands out for its excellent track record, the size of the order book and the interest it has aroused in emerging offshore markets, particularly Taiwan and the US.
Its 167-meter diameter rotor utilizes Siemens Gamesa B81 blades with a length of 81.4 meters. Named “Best Rotor Blade for 2017” by Windpower Monthly, the full rotor offers a swept area that is 18% larger than its predecessor. It provides an increase in Annual Energy Production by up to 20% compared to its predecessor, the machine SWT-7.0-154, awarded the bronze in the same category this year. The SG 8.0-167 incorporates the proven technology of the direct drive platform, combined with a larger rotor to offer its customers greater profitability while minimizing the associated costs and risks.
The first prototype was installed in September 2018 at Denmark’s National Test Centre for Large Wind Turbines in Oesterild, Denmark. Since its launch in November 2017, orders for nearly 800 units totaling 6.4 GW of installed capacity have been received. This includes the 1.386 GW Hornsea Two offshore wind power plant in the UK, set to be the world’s largest upon completion in 2022.
Each year, Windpower Monthly magazine selects the best onshore and offshore turbines in the wind sector, releasing a highly-respected ranking across the wind industry. Numerous Siemens Gamesa wind turbines have received this recognition in the past, including the G126-2.5 MW as top turbine in 2016, the SWT-3.3-130 in 2015 or the G114-2.0 MW in 2014, all from the onshore portfolio. Furthermore, the SWT-7.0-154 was named best offshore turbine for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2015, and the SWT-6.0-154 was named best offshore turbine over 3.6 MW in 2013. Finally, the Siemens Gamesa B81 rotor blade was named best rotor blade for 2017.
