Siemens Gamesa Unveils New 5.8 Megawatt Onshore Wind Turbine

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy unveiled what is believed to be the world’s most powerful onshore wind turbine this week, a new 5.8 megawatt (MW) turbine in two models that boast some of the largest onshore components available on the market to date.

The two new turbines, the SG 5.8-155 and the SG 5.8-170, are the largest unit capacity in the Siemens Gamesa onshore portfolio, with a rated capacity of 5.8 MW, exceeding the rated capacity of rival GE Renewable Energy’s 5.3 MW Cypress platform of turbines, which only this week received its first confirmed commercial order. Siemens Gamesa’s two new turbines boast rotor diameters of 155 meters and 170 meters, the latter of which is the largest in the global onshore segment.

The new SG 5.X onshore platform expands the swept area by 14% and 37% respectively and increases Annual Energy Production (AEP) by 20% and 32% respectively (both when compared to the SG 4.5-145). Siemens Gamesa speaks of a “highly flexible design” that is intended to enhance “the entire value chain, from manufacturing through logistics to construction and service” — though, unlike GE’s Cypress platform, its blades are still a single piece, thus giving GE the overall edge for site adaptability.

“Today we are celebrating our second anniversary. I cannot imagine a better way to do it than by announcing the launch of this new platform — tangible proof of Siemens Gamesa’s commitment to innovation and R&D,” said Markus Tacke, CEO of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

“The new Siemens Gamesa 5.X’s high and flexible power rating coupled with the two rotor options make this platform suitable for any kind of site across the globe,” added Mark Albenze, Onshore & Service CEO at SGRE. “Designed for future modular upgrades to meet the evolving demands of the market, it will allow the company to assist customers in reaching their profitability goals through best-in-class performance and LCoE.”