Nordex launches probe into wind turbine collapse in Wales

Nordex has launched an investigation into the root cause of a turbine collapse at the 25MW Pant-y-Wal Pant-y-Wal (25MW) OnshoreRhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, UK, Europe Click to see full details wind farm in Wales, part of the UK.

The N90/2500 turbine, in operation since 2013, collapsed on 14 February.

“All necessary safety measures have been implemented immediately after the incident,” said a spokesman for the German turbine manufacturer.

“No persons were injured. The only material damage that has occurred as a result of the incident is to the turbine itself.”

The Pant-y-Wal wind farm, owned by Pennant Walters, is located in Rhondda Cynon Taf, southern Wales.

The 2.5MW turbine under investigation is one of 21 N90/2500 units Nordex supplied and then commissioned in 2013 under a single contract, Nordex explained. Ten of the turbines were installed at Pant-y-Wal with the other 11 installed at the adjacent 10MW Fforch Nest 1 Fforch Nest 1 (10MW) Onshorenorth of Glynogwr and south of Clydach Vale – SSA (F), Wales, UK, Europe Click to see full details and 17.5MW Fforch Nest 2 Fforch Nest 2 (17.5MW) Onshorenorth of Glynogwr and south of Clydach Vale – SSA (F), Wales, UK, Europe Click to see full details wind farms. 

Pant-y-Wal was later extended – 20MW Pant-y-Wal Extension Pant-y-Wal Extension (20MW) OnshoreBridgend, Wales, UK, Europe Click to see full details  – with a further eight N90/2500 turbines commissioned in 2017.

Nordex is responsible for servicing the turbines. Experts from its main office along with members of its local team are running the investigation with Pennant Walters. “As yet, no reliable statement can be made as to the underlying cause of the collapse,” the Nordex spokesman said.