ZF Wind Power Unveils World’s Largest Validation Test Rig to Accelerate Innovation in Wind Turbine Systems

ZF Wind Power Unveils World’s Largest Validation Test Rig to Accelerate Innovation in Wind Turbine Systems

(IN BRIEF) ZF Wind Power has commissioned the world’s largest and most powerful wind powertrain validation test rig, now operational at its Test and Prototype Center in Lommel, Belgium. The 30 MW rig is capable of simulating real-world forces on full powertrain systems, significantly accelerating the development and certification of next-generation wind turbines. This investment underscores ZF’s role as a key system partner in the renewable energy transition and highlights Flanders as a center of industrial innovation. The initiative aims to improve testing efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and support climate-neutral energy goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) LOMMEL, 24-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF Wind Power has successfully commissioned the world’s most powerful wind turbine powertrain test rig, now fully operational at its Test and Prototype Center in Lommel, Belgium. Unveiled in the presence of Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, the 30 MW test rig represents a major milestone for the renewable energy sector and reinforces Flanders’ role as a hub for industrial innovation.

Spanning 60 meters in length, the state-of-the-art rig is engineered to simulate real-life operational stresses on complete wind powertrains, including gearboxes, bearings, and generators. Capable of handling a maximum torque of 45 MNm, bending moment of 64 MNm, and axial force of 7,500 kN, it provides unmatched testing capabilities for both onshore and offshore wind applications.

This monumental investment in validation technology enables ZF Wind Power to fast-track the development of next-generation drivetrain systems while meeting the demands of customers, certification bodies, and insurers for robust, proven performance. “Extensive validation is the bedrock of our innovations,” said Bert Verdyck, Head of Product Portfolio Management, noting that the test rig reduces testing timelines by up to four months compared to traditional methods.

Part of ZF’s Co*Evaluate philosophy, the Test & Prototype Center supports end-to-end development by combining modular gearbox design, system integration testing, and data exchange into a single workflow. This collaborative environment strengthens ZF’s position as a strategic system partner and accelerates time-to-market for innovative wind energy solutions.

The rig’s commissioning not only boosts wind technology advancement but also contributes significantly to the regional economy. “This initiative reinforces Flanders’ global competitiveness in sustainable technologies,” stated Minister-President Diependaele. The Flemish government and local stakeholders, including FIT and VLAIO, recognize the rig as a flagship investment aligned with climate and industrial development goals.

ZF’s long-term ambition is clear: enable the global transition to renewable energy through smarter, more efficient wind technology. “With this test rig, we are delivering on our commitment to co-create a sustainable future,” added Felix Henseler, CEO of ZF Wind Power.

ZF Wind Power
ZF Wind Power is a global leader in technology-driven manufacturing and a global wind turbine gearbox service partner. The company is leading the high-performance onshore segments with SHIFT compact modular platform designs. ZF delivered the world’s first offshore 9.5 MW wind turbine gearbox and, in close cooperation with its partner, delivered the first next-generation offshore powertrains. The company has the world’s largest installed capacity MW offshore wind turbine gearboxes. Since it entered the wind industry in 1979, ZF Wind Power has delivered more than 85,000 gearboxes, powering over 205 GW (mainly high-performance) wind turbines. Together with its partners, the company continuously invests in the wind market to empower a sustainable future.

About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and startup companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.

For further press information and photos, please visit: www.zf.com

Media Contacts:

Kris Adriaenssen, Head of Marketing, ZF Wind Power
Phone: +32 11 34 98 96, email: kris.adriaenssen@zf.com

Gernot Hein, Head of Communications, Industrial Technology Division
Phone: +49 (0) 851 494 2480, email: gernot.hein@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF