The AREVA Wind M5000 is lightweight despite its output of 5MW. The nacelle and rotor together weigh approximately 349 tons. This relatively low weight facilitates the transport and erection of the turbines; a crucial factor when working on the open sea. The nacelle is assembled onshore by qualified technicians from AREVA Wind, so that it can be lifted offshore onto the tower as a complete unit. This saves time and costs and guarantees a high degree of safety. The reduced weight of the nacelle also allows for cost-effective tower and foundation structures. Check out this video of the M5000 Offshore Wind Turbine:
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Offshore WIND Staff, February 20, 2013; Image: AREVA