DTU, BAM Launch Danish-German Research Cooperation

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) wants to take the lead on development of offshore wind turbines and has launched Danish-German research cooperation.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has launched an international research cooperation on offshore wind turbines together with its German sister organization BAM. The new partnership is to strengthen know-how on construction and safety of offshore wind turbines.

 From 30 to 60-70 meters water depth

“Today’s technology only allows wind turbines to be placed in a water depth of 30 meters – either close to the shore or placed on low banks on the seafloor. In the coming years, offshore wind turbines will move out to a depth of 60-70 meters, causing a range of technological challenges to rise as the turbines will be more exposed to extreme weather conditions”, says Ole Hededal, associate professor from DTU BYG in an article published on DTU’s website (in Danish).

Defining future challenges within the development of offshore wind

The new partnership, which kicked off on 25 October, will also concentrate on defining future challenges and focus areas within the development of offshore wind.

Offshore wind turbines and especially larger turbines placed in deeper water can contribute to more independence from fossil fuels, an area which has received increased political attention during recent years due to climate changes.

But if offshore wind turbines placed in deep water are to be competitive with coal-fired plants, it is necessary to develop turbines that are more efficient and cheaper than the existing ones.

Denmark is home to leading players within wind like Vestas, Siemens Wind Power, Suzlon and Envision.

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Offshore WIND staff, November 24, 2011; Image: Danish Wind Industry Association