GE upgrades Haliade-X prototype to 13MW

GE Renewable Energy has boosted the power rating of its Haliade-X prototype in the Port of Rotterdam to 13MW.

The prototype will undergo a series of tests to deliver various measurements and obtain its type certificate in the coming months.

GE recently secured its first order for the upgraded 13MW version of its Haliade-X machine for SSE and Equinor’s 2400MW Dogger Bank A & B Dogger Bank A & B (2400MW) Offshoreoff Yorkshire, UK, Europe Click to see full details project off the north-east coast of England.

It had initially launched the Haliade-X model with a capacity of 12MW in March in 2018 and commissioned a 12MW prototype in Rotterdam, Netherlands in November 2019.

The uprated 13MW Haliade-X will continue to feature 107-metre long blades and a 220-metre rotor. The company has not explained how it has achieved this 1MW jump in capacity.

GE had applied to operate the Haliade-X prototype with a “rated power of 12-14MW”, according to documents filed as part of the permitting process to use the 13MW Rotterdam-Maasvlakte Rotterdam-Maasvlakte (13MW) OnshoreSouth Holland, Netherlands, Europe Click to see full details site.

The manufacturer claims the 13MW version of the Haliade-X will be able to generate 4% more annual energy production than the previous 12MW prototype.

GE is being sued by rival manufacturer Siemens Gamesa, which claims the Haliade-X infringes its patents for offshore direct-drive technology. IP expert Philip Totaro told Windpower Monthly the move is probably an attempt by the German-Spanish company to secure leverage against its rival in the event of licensing negotiations in the US.