Wind energy

ECN is a flywheel in the rapidly growing market for offshore wind energy. Next to developing smart software for optimising design and maintenance and offering extensive test facilities, ECN also acts as advisor. Governments and businesses from all over the world are finding their way to ECN as partner in their plans to produce wind energy in an efficient and safe manner.

Intelligent wind turbine blades adapt and increase the output

Race

In October 2011, ECN signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Register of Shipping in Seoul. This certification authority is responsible for testing new types of wind turbines. Suppliers such as Samsung, Hyundai and Doosan are developing these prototypes in a race for obtaining a major contract: the Korean government will buy large numbers of the best wind turbine and start generating wind energy on a large scale along its coasts.

Beijing

The Korean authorities have asked ECN to support them in testing new prototypes for safety and performance. In addition, ECN will also offer R&D, advice and training services to assist businesses who are trying to build the perfect wind turbine. For the time being, these activities will be started up at the ECN office in Beijing.

Sandia

Another collaboration is conducted with the Sandia National Laboratories in the United States. This institute carries out applied research for the United States Department of Energy. Sandia and ECN will focus on increasing the output of the wind turbines, particularly through the use of ‘intelligent’ rotor blades.