In the race toward a greener future, every component counts—from the energy produced to the infrastructure built to harness it. Wind energy, a cornerstone of the green transition, typically relies on towers constructed from steel and concrete.
The average onshore wind turbine, with a capacity of around 4 megawatts, requires a tower weighing roughly 480 metric tonnes of steel. Producing one ton of steel can release up to 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide, with cement production emitting a similar amount, raising serious sustainability questions.
Swedish engineers are rethinking this model by turning to an age-old, naturally abundant material—wood. Often dubbed "nature's carbon fiber," wood offers a sustainable alternative that can significantly lower the carbon footprint of wind energy infrastructure.
Modvion, a pioneering company in Sweden, has led the charge with its innovative project, the "Wind of Change." This wind turbine tower, built almost entirely from wood, stands as one of the tallest wooden structures in the world. The idea was conceived by concept engineer and co-founder David Olivegren while he was building a boat, sparking a new approach to renewable energy construction.
CEO Otto Lundman explains that using sustainably harvested wood to produce Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) enables them to create modular towers that are lighter and easier to transport than conventional steel towers. CFO Maria-Lina Hedlund highlights that this innovation not only reduces CO2 emissions from construction but also positions Modvion to capture a significant share of the green energy market.
This breakthrough in sustainable engineering is setting a new standard for green energy infrastructure. By integrating natural, low-carbon materials into cutting-edge designs, engineers are paving the way for eco-friendly advancements that could reshape our energy future.
Reference(s):
RAZOR: How "nature's carbon fiber" could power the green transition
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