MHI-Vestas to install two V164s for testing

DENMARK: MHI-Vestas has signed a deal with European Energy to install two V164-8MW turbines at a site in southern Denmark.

The V164 prototype has been operating since January 2014

The two turbines will be installed at European Energy's Made project at the port of Esbjerg.

MHI-Vestas said the turbines are a new version of the V164. It has some "technical adjustments" from the prototype installed at , Denmark, in January 2014.

The offshore joint venture said it would use the opportunity to install the turbines onshore to test installation methods, operations and maintenance.

A company spokesperson said: "We decided it is better to do more upfront testing so when we are installing [Dong Energy's] Burbo Bank Extension next year then the turbines are performing as well as they can be."

MHI-Vestas CEO Jens Tommerup said the deal "sends a clear signal to the market that the development of the turbine is on track". The turbine was by technical standards body DNV GL in April.

MHI-Vestas has also been contracted to install two V117-3.45MW turbines at the site for testing. MHI-Vestas said it will begin offering the V117 to the offshore sector, adding to the V164 and the V112-3.3MW turbine currently in its portfolio.

The 3.45MW features Vestas' power mode option boosting the turbines capacity from 3.3MW.