DOWNVInD PROJECT NEWS
DEMONSTRATOR PROGRAMME status at 21st August 2006
Yesterday, 20th August 2006, history was made when the Beatrice Windfarm Demonstrator Wind Turbine A was loaded out from Nigg Bay by the offshore construction vessel Rambiz, transported to location and lifted onto its substructure. By late evening all 176 fastening bolts were tight and at least three new world records had been broken:
- Installation of the worlds largest Wind Turbine Generator - at 5Mw
- Worlds first ever - complete WTG, vertical, single lift, installation
- Worlds deepest offshore WTG installation - in 42 metres of seawater
Click on these links to view national Television news reports of the WTG A load-out
STV News bulletin on 21st August
BBC News bulletin on 21st August
During the WTG "sail away" from Nigg, there was a humourus event when the Rambiz was testing her thrusters before leaving port. Click on the following link then copy the URL "Black-isle" to your own PC to set up the link and join in the fun!!
Rambiz takes Beatrice WTG A for a waltz !
Click on this link to view a graphic illustrating the load-out and soft landing process
Demo Installation Sequence graphic
The second WTG will be installed before month end, weather permitting.
Earlier in the month the infield cables which will connect between Beatrice Alpha platform and WTG A and between WTG A & WTG B were laid and trenched by the cable lay support vessel Sovereign.
Tie-in and commissioning will continue until completion around mid October this year.
Demonstrator Programme status at the end of July 2006
2 substructures loaded out to and installed on location in Beatrice field. Work on assembling towers, WTGs (Wind Turbine Generators) and blades well under way.
Click on this link to view photographs and press release in respect of the visit to Burntisland fabrication yard by RT Hon Gordon Brown MP and photographs of the substructures and WTGs taken onshore and offshore
Gordon Brown BiFab visit & various pics
Demonstrator Programme status at the end of June 2006
All major component parts delivered on time to the construction yard at Nigg Bay.
