Vestas Ventures has invested in Salamander Quick Lift Crane Technology from Swedish company S&L Access Systems.
The goal of further strengthening Vestas Ventures’ position in sustainable energy solutions and reducing CO2 emissions from its value chain.
Vestas’ corporate venture capital arm said the new crane “has significant potential, both in terms of safer work and easier on-site deployment, assembly and labor compared to standard cranes”.
Relocation within the site and decommissioning are also faster with the crane.
The technology enables heavy lifting operations at hub heights in excess of 200 meters, Vestas said.
“The moving platforms are less sensitive to wind when working on the tower and the crane needs a smaller pad,” he added.
The crane can be used for both installation and maintenance of older, current and future turbines.
The investment will make Vestas a minority investor in S&L Access Systems, a subsidiary of Stena.
It is Vestas Ventures’ second official investment in 2021, with the unit making its first investment in wood technology company Modvion.
Bo Svoldgaard, Head of Innovation and Concepts at Vestas, said: “Vestas Ventures was founded to make risk investments in innovations that will help accelerate the green energy transition.
“The Salamander Quick Lift Crane Technology is primarily based on proven technology and enables the construction, maintenance and servicing of wind turbines to be able to lift heavy components more safely and cost-effectively, even at the highest hub heights.
“By accelerating the time-to-market of this high potential technology, we could lower energy costs through reduced installation time, CO2 emissions and simplification of crane transportation, which will help the industry mature more sustainably.”
Marcus Dahlinder, Chief Executive of S&L Access Systems, said: “We are delighted to be working with Vestas on this unique product.
“Today, onshore wind turbines tend to be taller and will soon reach hub heights of over 200 meters. Wind power projects are more complex and are often located in remote areas.
“As the importance of the wind turbine industry grows and turbines become taller and more powerful, we are well positioned with this unique crane solution that enables high levels of safety and efficient lifting of tall wind turbines in a more sustainable way than traditional.
“The concept demonstrator is already going through function tests, while the prototype is under construction in close cooperation with our partners.
“Construction will be completed by the end of the year and the tests will continue promptly.”
