Wind Turbine Erected in Namibia Without Crane Assistance
On June 2, at 10:01 AM, Nabrawind achieved a milestone by installing the first wind turbine without using a crane at the InnoVent Diaz site in Namibia. The turbine used in the process was a Goldwind GW165/6000, with a capacity of 6 megawatts (MW). Thanks to innovative technologies like the Total Self-Erecting System (SES) and Skylift, the installation was carried out in wind speeds of up to 20 m/s.
Innovative Technologies and Their Impact
This turbine installation marks a significant step forward for wind energy in the region. During assembly, wind gusts reached 44.7 miles per hour (about 20 m/s), demonstrating that Nabrawind's technologies eliminated the need for traditional cranes, which typically halt operations at wind speeds between 13.4 and 17.8 miles per hour. The main rotor of the wind turbine was secured at a height of 98 to 131 feet (approximately 30 to 40 meters). Previously, lifting the rotor required raising it to 295–328 feet.
A key feature of the project is that two blades were attached to the rotor on the ground at a 30-degree angle to the surface. This method was used for the first time and highlights the company's innovative approach. The InnoVent Diaz wind farm will ultimately consist of seven Goldwind GW165/6000 turbines.
'Achieving a clean one-week installation cycle for the seventh turbine, all without hauling a massive crane across the desert,' noted the company's management.
This project opens new possibilities for wind energy in Namibia and could serve as a model for other regions.
The successful crane-free installation of a wind turbine underscores major progress in wind energy technology. It could significantly reduce the costs of setting up turbines in remote or hard-to-reach areas, which is particularly relevant for countries with limited infrastructure. Nabrawind's initiatives may encourage the growth of wind energy in other regions where such technologies have not yet been adopted.