Three Gamesa G128-5.0 wind turbines, modified as low temperature (LT) versions, with special designed cooling system to work in cold climates have begun operation at the Salo project in southeast Finland.
In November, Gamesa entered into a framework agreement with developer TuuliWatti for the supply of 5 MW turbines.
According to the agreement, Gamesa will supply its G128 and G132 model wind turbines of 57 5 MW capacity to several wind farm projects in Finland, in 2015 and 2016.
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Gamesa will also provide the operations and maintenance services for a period of 10 years.
The turbines consist of modular 62.5-metre blades which turn a two-stage gearbox and permanent magnet generator.
The modular blades used in the Salo project have been divided into two parts to streamline transport to site as well as overall logistics.
It is believed that there is high potential for wind energy in the coldest provinces of the earth, due to their favorable wind conditions and isolated population.
Gamesa has delivered custom-made technological solutions for frozen conditions adapted to the site’s requirements, generating minimum loss for the client.
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In addition, as a purpose-built control system the turbines adjust power output when ice formation is detected on the production-optimizing aerofoil blades.
Earlier this year, Gamesa installed G128-5.0 MW offshore prototype on a quayside in the Canary Islands. The firm also supplied for a first onshore G128-5.0 MW project in Spain.
According to IEA Wind, the world’s cold climate regions are on a trajectory to build-out into a market of some 120GW by 2017.
Sabeena Wahid
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