Vestas and DONG Energy have entered into cooperation on testing of Vestas' new V164-7.0 MW offshore wind turbine at DONG Energy's demonstration site in the waters off Frederikshavn. Vestas will be supplying a V164-7.0 MW turbine, which is a dedicated offshore wind turbine designed specifically for the harsh conditions at sea.

DONG Energy's total investment in the establishment of the test site will amount to around DKK 240 million.

The V164-7.0 MW turbine is scheduled for installation in 2013 at the demonstration site, where DONG Energy has permission to install a total of six demonstration turbines. As part of the demonstration, DONG Energy and Vestas will cooperate on a technical due diligence of the V164-7.0 MW turbine.

”Demonstration activities are an important part of maintaining and developing DONG Energy's position as a market leader in offshore wind power. We are delighted to be testing Vestas' new dedicated offshore wind turbine. New and more efficient turbines are a crucial part of the efforts to reduce the construction costs for offshore wind farms,” says Anders Eldrup, CEO of DONG Energy.

Precisely the efforts to reduce the costs of constructing offshore wind farms are one of the focal points of the cooperation between DONG Energy and Vestas, and the V164-7.0 MW turbine is expected to play a key role.

Ditlev Engel, President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems says: ”We are pleased that the agreement with DONG Energy on our coming offshore wind turbine has now been finalised. We expect a great deal from the opportunity to work closely together with the world's leading offshore wind farm operator on the V164-7.0 MW turbine. The test installation will provide DONG Energy with the most detailed insight into the turbine, and we look forward to this opportunity to provide DONG Energy with the confidence they require to invest in the turbine for commercial projects further down the line.”

This investment will allow DONG Energy to potentially become the first customer to acquire next-generation Vestas turbines for future offshore wind farm projects.

The information provided in this announcement does not change DONG Energy's previous financial guidance for the 2011 financial year or the announced expected investment level.