On May 19th, Siemens unveiled the next step in the evolution of its proven G2 product platform. Building upon the achievements of the SWT-2.3-108, the new SWT-2.3-120 features a high-performance 120-meter rotor that enables it to achieve enhanced energy production for medium to low wind sites, and offers improved performance at higher altitudes and under a wider range of temperature conditions.

At an average wind speed of 7.5 meters per second (nearly 17 miles per hour), the Siemens SWT-2.3-120 yields an increase of nearly 10% in annual energy production (AEP) compared to that of its pioneering predecessor under the same conditions - helping to deliver higher returns and a decrease in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE).

The SWT-2.3-120 turbine utilizes Siemens' robust and flexible ATB (Aeroelastic Tailored Blade) design to reduce weights and loads through intelligent use of the blade's flexing capabilities. This allows for the SWT-2.3-120's larger rotor size without a proportional increase in structural loading, decreasing wear and tear on the turbine. The 59-meter blades extend the reach of the rotor, sweeping a greater area to make the most of the available wind resource. The product design also incorporates several added safety and operational benefits related to the service and maintenance of the turbines, including increased accessibility of key components and access to the weather station from inside the nacelle.

"With wind power becoming an increasingly important part of the U.S. energy mix, we have developed our new turbine to meet the needs of our customers in the United States and throughout the Americas," said Jacob Andersen, CEO Onshore Americas, Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. "Moreover, we are proud to support clean energy jobs in our blade manufacturing facility in Iowa, at our nacelle assembly plant in Kansas, our R&D center in Colorado and other locations throughout the U.S."

Siemens' blade factory in Fort Madison, Iowa, and Siemens aerodynamic engineering center in Boulder, Colorado, were heavily involved in the development of the SWT-2.3-120's aeroelastically tailored blades. The nacelles and hubs for the forthcoming turbine will be assembled at the Siemens facility in Hutchinson, Kansas, sustaining domestic jobs supporting clean, renewable wind energy. Serial production of the SWT-2.3-120 will commence in 2017.

Truong Duy