As the first market-specific turbine developed by Vestas, the company said the V60-850 kW represents the next generation of proven and reliable KW technology for optimised production and performance and featuring innovations suitable for Chinese wind and weather conditions. The main innovations have been made in blade design and temperature control systems.
Designed by its research and development team, Vestas said the V60-850 kW is most effective in low and medium winds, representing close to 75% of the country’s unutilised onshore wind resources.
More than 90% of the V60-850 kW components are sourced in China. The turbine will be built in Vestas’ new factory in Hohhot in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region (IMAR).
Vestas said this new, high-tech kW turbine is the best and most scientific response to the specific challenges and opportunities of land use and wind resources in China, and was developed as a result of an ongoing dialogue with Chinese stakeholders and customers.
“The V60-850 kW turbine is a ground-breaking new product for China, and is the first time Vestas has customised a turbine for a single specific market,” said Vestas CEO Ditlev Engel.
“China, as a future global wind energy superpower, is one the most important markets for us. As a committed partner that has been engaged in China’s wind energy industry for over 20 years, the development and introduction of the V60 represents the beginning of a new stage in Vestas’ development in China that will see us play a larger role in contributing to the development of China’s overall wind energy industry by building a long-term China-based innovation capacity and establishing a bigger technology presence here.”
Vestas China President Lars Andersen emphasised that customers played a critical role in the development of the V60-850 kW.
“Our best customers told us they wanted a kilowatt turbine that could unlock the potential of low and medium wind sites and overcome obstacles, like the tough winters in Northern Chinese areas such as IMAR. In collaboration with our Chinese partners, we designed Vestas’ most advanced and productive kW turbine, and then localised it and built a factory to produce it — close to some of China’s richest low and medium wind resources.”
The new Hohhot factory will produce the V60-850kW blades and nacelles.
Lu Ming, vice president of Vestas China and general manager of the new Hohhot factory, paid tribute to the Vestas team that went from design to prototype manufacturing in just 12 months.
“We have very talented teams working on technology and supply chain development; they continuously set new standards at Vestas for speed, teamwork and dedication. The development of the V60-850 kW was critical in establishing a China-based technology team to support on-going local innovation and adaptation of both this turbine, as well as other turbine platforms in China. The team will continue to contribute to the ongoing development of the Chinese wind energy industry and the continued localisation of Vestas China.”