Spanish wind technology company Nabrawind says it has successfully deployed its “crane-less” system for installing wind turbines, installing the first at a wind farm in Namibia in an area with such extreme wind conditions that large cranes are unable to operate safely.
Nabrawind, which was acquired last year by Australian mining giant Fortescue following at least two investments in the company, has developed a self-lifting system for wind turbines dubbed ‘Skylift’ that eliminates the need large-tonnage cranes.
Skylift combines two Nabrawind-developed innovations: the Self-Erecting System (Total SES), which is capable of installing both the turbine nacelle and tower; and the so-called ‘BladeRunner’, which is capable of installing the blades.
By circumventing the need for large-tonnage cranes, Skylift paves the way for installation of large-scale wind turbines in locations with extreme wind conditions or in hard to navigate areas.
This was demonstrated last week in southwestern Namibia on the Atlantic coast, famed as one of the planet’s most wind-rich areas.
