The prototype of the NEG Micon 1500 kW Turbine (35K JPEG) was commissioned in September 1995.

The original model had a 60 metre rotor diameter and two 750 kW generators operating in parallel.

The most recent version is a 1,500/750 kW model (with two 750 kW generators) with a 64 metre rotor diameter.

The photograph was taken at the Tjaereborg site in the Western part of Denmark near the city of Esbjerg.

The prototype of the Vestas 1500 kW Turbine (51K JPEG) was commissioned in 1996.

The original model had a 63 metre rotor diameter and a 1,500 kW generator.

The most recent version has a 68 metre rotor diameter and a dual 1650/300 kW generator.

The picture shows the nacelle being hoisted by a crane.

In the background to the left you may see the ELSAM 2 MW test turbine (on a concrete tower), and the NEG Micon 1500 kW a bit farther in the background. At the far left you can catch a glimpse of a Bonus 750 kW turbine (the most recent version is a 1 MW turbine).

The megawatt market really took off in 1998. Since then, it has been clear that the market trend is towards bigger projects with bigger wind turbines.

Megawatt-sized machines will be ideal for offshore applications, and for areas where space for siting is scarce, so that a megawatt machine will exploit the local wind resources better.