GE Renewable Energy and MHI Vestas Offshore Wind to use some of the world's largest testing rigs

By Sophie Chapman
Clemson University’s SCE&E Energy Innovation Centre is home to the US’ largest wind turbine testing rig. The 15MW...

Clemson University’s SCE&E Energy Innovation Centre is home to the US’ largest wind turbine testing rig.

The 15MW rig is 20ft wide and over three stories tall is one of the largest rigs in on the globe, located in South Carolina.

The university also owns a smaller, but still powerful, 7.5MW rig, which is used for mechanical and electrical testing.

In 2013, the university used US$100mn of funding, from federal, state, and private investors, to lower the time of bring offshore wind projects to the market.

SEE ALSO:

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, the subsidiary of Danish Vestas Wind Systems and Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has signed a contract to use the 15MW rig for tests.

It will test its 9.5MW turbine over a period of five years, at the price of $23mn.

The Connecticut-based GE Renewable Energy has also signed a multi-year contract for the use of the 7.5MW rig.

“The Clemson testing facility represents a critical investment to ensure America leads in this fast-growing global industry — helping to make sure the best, most efficient wind energy technologies are developed and manufactured in the United States,” commented Daniel Poneman, former Deputy Secretary of Energy.

Share

Featured Articles

5 minutes with Stuart Broadley, Energy Industries Council

EIC CEO Stuart Broadley reveals the challenges that lie ahead for oil and gas firms now net zero is becoming an increasingly important goal for businesses

SAP: Is 'complex' wind energy supply chain slowing adoption?

SAP digital supply chain and manufacturing expert Darcy MacClaren warns complex logistics and complicated regulations are limiting wind energy adoption

Decentralised energy key to circumventing grid delays

Aggreko is advising the sector to consider short to mid-term decentralised energy solutions as an effective means of maintaining business continuity.

Renewable energy to become top source of electricity by 2025

Renewable Energy

Nuclear energy — the unsung hero of the climate challenge

Renewable Energy

UK and US announce energy partnership

Oil & Gas