offshore test field alpha ventus
alpha ventus is the first German Offshore windpark being built in the open sea. This pilot project located about 45 kilometers off the shore of Borkum is intended to gather basic experience in the construction and operation of offshore windparks. A total of twelve wind energy systems of the 5-Megawatt class are in use in the test field alpha Ventus: six systems of the type AREVA Multibrid M5000 as well as six systems of REpower 5M. In addition, two types of steel foundations are used for the wind energy systems. While the AREVA Multibrid systems stand on so-called tripods, so-called jacket foundations have been chosen for the Repower systems.
For the first time, these types of systems are constructed and operated far from the shore in a water depth of 30 m. The research and development results will be integrated in the design, construction and operation of future offshore systems. EWE, E.ON and Vattenfall have founded the "Deutsche Offshore-Testfeld und Infrastruktur GmbH & Co. KG" (DOTI) for the realization of the windpark alpha Ventus. Under the designation "Borkum West", DOTI has leased the regulatory approval rights on the test field from the "Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft für die Nutzung und Erforschung der Windenergie auf See" (Foundation Offshore Wind Energy). AMBAU supplies all 12 towers for this project. The first towers are currently being installed.