Feb 16 2010
Sway AS, a company based in Bergen, will receive NOK 137 million from Enova for the demonstration of a prototype of a new wind turbine technology. The support from Enova for this project demonstrates its commitment toward renewable energy. The cost of generating power from offshore wind turbines has the potential to reduce significantly through this demonstration project.
A 10-MW wind turbine will be constructed in Øygarden in Hordaland County by utilizing the funds provided by Enova. Over a period of two years, the new technology will be tested on land. The rotor diameter of the turbine measures 145 meters, making it the largest wind turbine in the world. The new technology developed by Sway in collaboration with Smartmotor AS, a technology company based in Norway, aims to reduce the weight of the turbine as well as the number of moving parts. It will also incorporate a gearless generator system. The concept will potentially reduce operating costs by generating higher energy for offshore wind turbines. The concept was developed by about 35 to 40 engineers.
Enova's executive director, Nils Kristian Nakstad, said that company is pleased to support this project which will help to advance current wind technologies. The company is committed to support projects that will help to move forward for achieving commercialization of offshore wind power.