Go-Ahead for 2-B Energy Offshore Wind Turbine Trials

A novel wind turbine design will be put through its paces off the Scottish coastline following approval given by the Scottish government in mid-November 2011.

Developed by Dutch firm 2-B Energy, the wind turbine has a horizontally-mounted two-blade arrangement and the energy it gathers will be fed to sources on the nearby coastline.

2-B Energy's 2-B6 Offshore Wind Turbine will be positioned just 20 metres away from land and have a six megawatt capacity. The company first made its application to test the wind turbine in Scottish waters back in April last year. Not one member of the public subsequently made a representation against the proposals and they went on to win the favour of the local Fife Council.

2-B6 Offshore Wind Turbine

Initially, the plan was to have a pair of 2-B6 Offshore Wind Turbines installed in this location but that's now been reduced to a single system, the energy from which will contribute to Scotland's ultimate goal of having renewable energy sources supplying every single bit of its power.

The 2-B6 Offshore Wind Turbine includes a helipad and it will be sited in the Fife Energy Park. Scotland's waters are proving to be the location of choice for a number of renewable energy technology trials. Earlier this year, Enviro News looked at another one of these technologies - the brand new Oyster 800 Wave Energy conversion system.

Offshore Turbine Trials

"Innovative companies deciding to test their new ideas in Scotland is further evidence of our reputation as a place to develop and deploy all forms of new green energy technologies", Fergus Ewing - Scotland's Energy Minister - explained in a statement on the offshore turbine trials. He added: "We are working to create the optimum conditions for low-carbon investment to ensure we remain well-placed to become an international hub for low-carbon expertise and a green energy powerhouse for Europe."

2-B Energy was established in 2007 and, according to information published on its website, its products incorporate a number of advanced features designed to lower the cost of energy production. These include what the firm terms ‘differentiating designs for the rotor, nacelle, support structure and electrical system.'

Image copyright 2-B Energy and reproduced with grateful thanks

See also:

Companies supplying Wind Power