The most powerful wind turbine in the world is to be built in the south-western Norwegian area of Oygarden, with hopes that new technology can significantly improve profitability at offshore wind farms.
The 10-megawatt prototype, consisting of a 145 metre rotor diameter, can produce three times as much power as incumbent models according to the public agency Enova which is owned by the nation’s petroleum and oil ministries. Standing 163 metres in height, construction will be undertaken by the Norwegian company Sway. It will utilise innovative technology to generate greater energy output than its predecessors, done so through a reduction in parts and weight. It is hoped that the prototype alone could provide power to some 2,000 homes.
Plans are afoot for the installation of the NOK 400 million (USD 67 million) turbine in 2011. “It is milestone in the efforts to develop the future’s wind power,” said Terje Riis-Johansen, the Norwegian Energy Minister. NOK 137 million (USD 23 million) has already been pledged towards the project by Enova.
The announcement will go some way towards pacifying environmental groups who have frequently criticised the Norwegian government for its failure to invest in the development of wind power. A leading world producer of both gas and oil, Norway itself relies predominantly on hydroelectric power.
If you are interested in getting an idea of exactly how big these turbines actually are, here is a great article with a few videos of the instalation and insides of 1.5MW turbines. I can only immagine what 7-10MW turbines look like. http://thegreenertruth.com/2010/02/wind-turbines-crazy-big/