China, Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Technology

Goliath offers a low cost solution for high power wind turbines. The technology originates from Durham University, Great Britain, writes LETA.

According to a general rule 1MW wind energy production capacity needs an investment of one million euros (at least). With Goliath, approximately 50% lower cost and 50% lighter weight is achieved by simpler conversion system with no gearbox and modular design that allows components to be delivered by containers. General Manager of the company Lars Mach says that Goliath's turbine also looks much cooler than the other ones and shows much better sustainability.

Goliath has taken and combined good qualities from two of the already avalible technologies – light turbines with gearboxes that have high operation costs and sustainable, but very heavy turbines.

Mach says that a 250kw prototype is ready and is being tested now. 2,5-3MW prototype with diameter of 10-12 meters will soon be in progress. The tests are supposed to be due by 2011. And in case they turn out to be successful, it is likely that Goliath will establish a wind turbine factory in Estonia.

The world market of wind power generators is increasing 15% annually, even during the time of crisis. We are speaking about the market segment with annual turnover close to 40 billion euros a year.