GE introduces new offshore turbine

New GE wind turbine to increase reliability of offshore windfarsm. (Getty Images)

General Electric has introduced its brand-new 4.1-113 wind turbine, a four megawatt class machine that has been specifically optimized for offshore use, and designed, says the company, to bring a new level of reliability to the offshore industry.

The company has also signed a contract to supply one of the new turbines, along with associated services, to Goteburg Energi, to be installed in Gothenburg Harbour in Sweden in the second half of the year.

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With fewer moving parts, the direct-drive technology seen in the new turbine provides a simple, reliable design with built-in redundancy and partial operation for major components, all focused on keeping turbines operating reliably at sea. Eliminating costly gearbox parts, the company claims the direct drive technology will lower operating expenses, relying on an innovative modular approach to maximize in-situ repairs, and reduce the need for a large repair vessel.

Discussing the new turbine, Victor Abate, vice president of renewable energy for GE Power and Water, said: “We are proud to announce the next milestone in our offshore strategy plan. Out 4.1-113 wind turbine represents our most advanced technology, and is the only direct-drive wind turbine designed specifically for offshore today.”