The new turbine features a 135-metre rotor, an expansion of 19-metres on the previous version. Areva also said the turbine's nacelle had been revamped to be lighter and easier to access.
Areva claims the M5000-135 increases the swept area by 35% on the M5000-116, improving its performance in low-wind sites.
The turbine was unveiled at the EWEA Offshore show where Siemens launched a new 154-rotor version of its 6MW offshore turbine. In comparison Vestas, Nordex and Alstom are bringing out next generation offshore turbines of 164, 150 and 150-metre rotors respectively.
Areva is targeting the turbine at France's 3GW offshore tender and intends to bid for up to 1,750MW in partnership with GDF Suez and Vinci and 1,250MW with Iberdrola and Technip.
The company plans to open two factories in the port of Le Havre, on the English Channel, if it is successful in the tender call.
For more see, The Next Generation Offshore Turbines
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