Vestas introduces V172-7.2 MW turbine platform

Vestas' modular product development is a key enabler for scalability across the industry, and as the latest step along this journey the company is introducing the V172-7.2 MW, enhancing performance in low to medium wind conditions. In alignment, Vestas is changing the existing medium-to-high wind EnVentus variant V162-6.8 MW to a 7.2 MW name plate.

The V172-7.2 MW delivers a 12 percent increase in annual energy production (AEP) compared to the V162-6.2 MW variant in low wind conditions. The new variant delivers flexible power ratings of 7.2 MW, 6.8 MW and 6.5 MW and offers expanded site applicability for all conditions, with solutions for cold climate and an optional larger CoolerTop for hot climates.

The V172-7.2 MW will be based on Vestas’ new modularised nacelle architecture, where the nacelle structure is divided into compartments that are dimensionally designed to correspond to general industry standards for road, rail and ocean transport. This improves logistics and provides flexibility over the turbine’s operational lifetime. The variant will also build closer alignment between Vestas’ onshore and offshore platforms, as both the V172-7.2 MW and the V162-7.2 MW share the modularised nacelle architecture with the Vestas offshore V236-15.0 MW.

“Enabling maturity and scalable growth are central to our technological ambitions at Vestas. The introduction of the V172-7.2 MW will pave the way for wind energy to build scale by introducing more ease and efficiency into how we design and produce high-quality sustainable energy solutions. The V172-7.2 MW demonstrates how our modular product development can enable customisable solutions, suited to any environment. It’s also a signal for how we can support our customers as a long-term partner through the imminent energy transformation, able to meet their needs today, as well as in the future”, says Anders Nielsen, Vestas Chief Technology Officer.