Siemens D6 direct-drive wind turbine obtains type certification by DNV GL

Siemens Energy has obtained type certification by certifying body DNV GL for the company's innovative D6 offshore wind turbine.

The model Siemens SWT-6.0-154 is equipped with a modern direct drive generator, rated at 6 megawatts (MW) and equipped with a 154 meter rotor. The official certificate is a further step in ramping up the serial production of the turbine.

The certification process included DNV GL experts being given full access to the engineering and Siemens assembly facilities in Brande as well as testing facilities at Oesterild, Denmark and Hunterston, UK. Evaluation included assessment on the maturity of the turbine design, its manufacturing, installation and commissioning processes and related documentation.

The development of the SWT-6.0-154 marks a significant step towards reducing the cost of energy. With a tower head mass of only 360 tons the new 6-megawatt machine is around one third lighter than comparable systems.

This weight advantage provides improved economic viability across all project phases, from assembly to transport, foundations and installation all the way up to operation. One SWT-6.0-154 turbine can supply up to 6,000 European households with clean offshore wind power.

This type certification for the SWT-6.0-154 includes a 25 year design lifetime, which is an additional 5 years compared to the previous turbine lifetime that Siemens has designed towards.

Wind power and energy service are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. Around 43 percent of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. That makes Siemens one of the world's leading providers of eco-friendly technology.