Several factors have stimulated the trend towards bigger and bigger wind turbines:
- Economics of scale;
- Scarcity of sites & off-shore locations;
- Learning curve of the technology These factors are still in full play, and stimulated by new technical concepts it is proposed to initiate a combined research and demonstration project with the aim of developing a new tower/erection concept for a 2.5 MW wind turbine and to demonstrate the viability of the concept in a 20 MW wind farm at Paldiski, Estonia. The project aims to carry out all the research, development and engineering necessary for the implementation of 8 pcs. 2.5 MW wind turbines, erected and commissioned without the need of cranes. The target for reduction of the cost of energy is from at present about Euro 0.04/kWh to about Euro 0.035/kWh.