MHI Vestas has launched 9.5MW version of its V164 offshore wind turbine

The manufacturer said a single turbine would be enough to power 8300 UK homes every year.

The model, an upgrade on the original 8MW version of the machine, has been unveiled at Offshore Wind Energy 2017 in London. It is “available now”, MHI Vestas said.

Chief executive Jens Tommerup said: “We are committed to lowering the cost of energy. The launch of our V164-9.5MW turbine is a testament to that leadership and to the ingenuity of our engineers and technicians.”

Chief technology officer Torben Hvid Larsen added: “With only minimal design changes, including a redesigned gearbox and cooling system upgrades, this turbines continues the legacy of the proven V164 platform.”

The landmark announcement comes as the offshore wind industry meets in London this week to reaffirm its commitment to reduce the cost of energy, to urge policy-makers to set clear offshore wind volume targets, and to define a clear path forward as the sector eyes global expansion.