DONG Energy will now engage in a number of test activities together with Vestas in the prototype at Test Centre Østerild to accelerate the development of the V164-8.0 MW.
As a consequence of the enhanced cooperation and early access to relevant test data from Test Centre Østerild, DONG Energy has decided not to build the V164-8.0 MW as a test- and demonstration project in Frederikshavn. The reason for this is that the majority of the tests that DONG Energy were envisaging to perform at the Frederikshavn demonstration site are included in the Vestas planned test scope at Østerild.
“The cooperation with Vestas on the V164-8.0 MW turbine is very exciting. We look forward to give our input to the development of Vestas’ next-generation wind turbine, as large turbines, dedicated to offshore conditions, contribute to more competitive offshore wind turbine technology” said Henrik Poulsen, CEO of DONG Energy, and continued:
“We positively view our relationship with Vestas. We have an ambition to reduce the cost of renewable energy within the foreseeable future, and the V164-8.0 MW turbine could potentially be a solid contributor to that.”
DONG Energy’s active participation in the prototype turbine at an early stage will support and further expand the cooperation between DONG Energy and Vestas.
“I am very pleased to see the most experienced offshore wind operator, DONG Energy, so actively stepping in to directly participate in the future testing of the V164-8.0MW turbine. The turbine represents a great opportunity for both our companies and having DONG Energy so closely involved in the test activities will be valuable for us both”, said Ditlev Engel, President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems and adds:
“I look forward to building on the trust that they have placed in Vestas and in our next generation offshore turbine to further intensify our joint collaboration”.
Vestas expects that the first turbine will be installed and commissioned at Test Centre Østerild during the second quarter of 2014. If the tests results are positive, there may be interest in further test and possibly commercial collaboration between the two companies.
The information provided in this announcement does not change DONG Energy’s previous financial guidance for the 2012 financial year or the announced expected investment level.
DONG Energy and Vestas Wind Systems have entered into a cooperation agreement on the testing of Vestas’ V164-8.0 MW wind turbine at Test Centre Østerild in Denmark. Through this agreement, DONG Energy becomes involved earlier in Vestas´ development of the V164-8.0 MW offshore wind turbine than previously envisaged. This ensures DONG Energy a detailed understanding of and experience with Vestas’ new offshore wind turbine at an early stage.
DONG Energy is one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe. We are headquartered in Denmark. Our business is based on procuring, producing, distributing and trading in energy and related products in Northern Europe. We have approximately 7,000 employees and generated DKK 57 billion (EUR 7.6 billion) in revenue in 2011. For further information, see www.dongenergy.com.
Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ more than 47,000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by approximately 55 million tons of CO2 every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence.
Today, Vestas has delivered wind energy in more than 70 countries, providing jobs for around 19,000 passionate people at our service and project sites, research facilities, factories and offices all over the world. With 65 per cent more megawatts installed than our closest competitor and more than 51 GW of cumulative installed capacity worldwide, Vestas is the world leader in wind energy.
We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at www.vestas.com
