Normally, it's the capacity rating of offshore wind turbines that's gradually upgraded. At Siemens Gamesa, however, the rotor of the manufacturer's coming offshore model is now getting an early extension. In connection with the announcement of its annual financial statement, the OEM reveals that the offshore platform is now offered with a rotor diameter of 236 meters – quite a bit longer than the model's initial 220 meters upon launch last May.

At the same time, Siemens Gamesa discloses the first potential customer for the new machine. Vattenfall nominates the stretched version for coming project Norfolk, covering two wind farms – Vanguard and Boreas – with an intended combined effect of 3.6GW.

"With this wind turbine, I am confident that we will consolidate our leadership in offshore wind," states Chief Executive Andreas Nauen.

The Swedish power company is bidding for rights to develop Norfolk in the UK's fourth Contracts for Difference round, to be decided next year. Before the order is made firm and unconditional, Vattenfall will first need to secure the CfD contracts and then take the final investment decision.

For Siemens Gamesa, the next step for the offshore model is to install a prototype, which the company plans to do next year.

With a larger rotor – and maintained power optimization up to 15MW – Siemens Gamesa puts its product completely in line with that of Vestas.

Last year, the Danish turbine maker announced its coming offshore wind turbine, the V236-15MW. Although the largest platform available for the pipeline of coming years is one offered by Ming Yang, which recently unveiled a 16MW model with a rotor of 242 meters.

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