Photo News: First installation of Siemens' 6 megawatt wind turbine in Germany

Germany's first installation of Siemens' 6 megawatt (MW) wind turbine: In the northwestern German village of Wehlens near Wilhelmshaven, Siemens recently installed two SWT-6.0-154 offshore wind turbines at an onshore site. The onshore location offers wind conditions comparable to offshore sites. The two ultra-modern wind turbines are equipped with direct-drive generators and rotors with a diameter of 154 meters. Within a few weeks, the two turbines will deliver sufficient electricity to supply more than 14,000 average German households with clean energy. In addition to the construction of the two plants, Siemens will operate and maintain the turbines through a 15-year service contract.

Onshore site with offshore conditions

In Wehlens, the wind conditions are nearly the same as out at sea. The rotor of the 6 MW turbine from Siemens covers an area of 18,600 square meters - more than three soccer fields. Project owner Bioenergie Nord GmbH and planning engineering agency Pommer & Schwarz selected the Siemens 6 MW wind turbine for this location near the coast on account of the great energy yield that it promises.

Transportation eased by low weight

With a weight of only around 230 tons, the SWT-6.0 nacelles are able to be transported by truck. This low tower head mass gives Siemens a strong, competitive edge.

View to the open sea

The low tower head mass of the Siemens SWT-6.0 turbine offers significant benefits throughout the entire value chain. Both Onshore and Offshore, it allows lower logistic costs due to reduced tower and substructure requirements. The tower head mass of 360 tons also eases the installation.

Space for technicians and technology

The entire electrical system is located in the nacelle of a D6 platform wind turbine, including power unit and transformer. This allows fast commissioning. The spacious and ergonomic nacelle design offers an improved working environment with safe and easy access to all key components.

Sight and safety

Designed as an offshore wind turbine, the Siemens D6 sets new standards in regards of safety: The lighted nacelle helihoist platform is highly accessible - also in rough weather conditions.

Supersized components

The hub of the SWT-6.0-154 measures four meters in diameter. When three 75-meter long Siemens blades are joined to it, a rotor with a diameter of 154 meters is created.

Taller than all the rest locally

Rated at 6 megawatts, the Siemens SWT-6.0-154 is among the largest wind turbines worldwide. In Wehlens, the total height of each turbine – an impressive 195 meters – is taller than all other wind turbines found in the area.

Installation completed

After commissioning in late 2014, the two Siemens D6 wind turbines will deliver sufficient electricity to supply more than 14,000 average German households with clean energy.