Reports tell us that RWE, a leading renewable energy company, has announced that Siemens Gamesa's recyclable wind turbine blade technology, RecyclableBlade, will be used in Denmark's largest offshore wind farm, Thor.
This marks the third project in which RWE incorporates eco-friendly blades, following successful installations at the Kaskasi offshore wind farm in Germany and the Sofia wind farm off the UK's northeast coast.
RecyclableBlade Technology
Electrek tells us that Siemens Gamesa's RecyclableBlade technology offers a groundbreaking solution for the end-of-life management of wind turbine blades.
By using a mild acid solution, the technology enables the separation of resin, fiberglass, wood, and other components of the blades, facilitating their full reclamation.
RWE's decision to equip forty out of seventy-two SG 14-236 DD turbines with these recyclable blades demonstrates its commitment to circularity and achieving net-zero emissions.
Denmark's Largest Offshore Wind Farm
Thor, situated in the Danish North Sea approximately 22 kilometers from Jutland's west coast, is projected to have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) and will generate enough clean electricity to power over one million Danish households, equating to one in three households in Denmark. The wind farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
In addition to the recyclable blades, Thor will feature another innovative technology from Siemens Gamesa: carbon dioxide-reduced steel towers.
Known as GreenerTowers, Offshore Engineer reports that these towers will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the production of tower steel plates. RWE's implementation of the towers, which will achieve a CO2 reduction of at least 63% compared to conventional steel, positions Thor as a pioneer in sustainable offshore wind development.
Denmark's Offshore Wind Expansion
RWE's dedication to sustainability extends beyond Europe. The company has recently made significant strides in the United States, acquiring 4 gigawatts (GW) of seabed capacity in the 2022 New York Bight and California seabed lease auctions.
RWE's offshore wind projects in the US will also benefit from the incorporation of recyclable blades, demonstrating the company's commitment to environmental stewardship on a global scale.
Recycling wind turbine blades has historically posed challenges due to the composite materials used. However, Siemens Gamesa's recyclable blades utilize a new type of resin with a unique chemical structure that allows for the separation and subsequent reuse of the composite materials.
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This breakthrough prevents the disposal of millions of tons of blade material into landfills and presents opportunities for their utilization in various industries, such as automotive or consumer goods manufacturing.
RWE's investment in Denmark's offshore wind sector aligns with the country's ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions. Denmark aims to achieve a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions from 1990 levels, and the Danish state will hold a 20% stake in four upcoming offshore wind farms, including Thor.
Developers participating in tenders for these projects will compete to offer the highest fixed annual payment to the state over 30 years.
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