It was a pleasure for the Wind Energy Student Association (WESA) to host MHI Vestas at DTU on Monday, 25 March 2019. Catalina Sarivan, Product Manager at MHI Vestas, gave an overview of MHI Vestas products, innovation and the challenges in introducing new and larger wind turbines to the market. The event saw active participation from over 70 students.
Catalina gave insights into the rapid growth of the wind turbine industry over the years and the aggressive growth projected in the future. She drew upon her experience collaborating with Technology Teams for MHI Vestas’ 9 MW platform and helped the students to better understand challenges involving the release of new wind turbines, focusing on the importance of prototype testing and type certification. This becomes especially important since turbine sizes are expected to grow, along with a focus on smarter design, what can be supported by the recent announcement of DKK 50 million funding by the Govt. of Denmark towards support of test facilities for 16 MW nacelles for offshore wind turbines.
Catalina touched upon emerging markets and local content requirements as she is also involved with the release of MHI Vestas’ 4 MW platform to various emerging markets. Catalina also shed light on the cross-functional and collaborative aspects of the turbine development process, and about how the role of a Product Manager involves a right mix of commercial as well as technical mindedness.
WESA thanks both the students as well as MHI Vestas for a great event!
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is a joint venture between Vestas Wind Systems A/S 50% and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) 50%. The company’s focus is to design, manufacture, install and service wind turbines for the offshore wind industry. The company aims to create sustainable value through offshore wind power by driving capital and operating savings and increasing the power output of wind turbines. An innovative force in offshore wind since its inception in 2014, the company is guided by its founding principles of collaboration, trust, technology and commitment. For more information, see www.mhivestasoffshore.com.