Wooden Wind Turbine Revolution: A Sustainable Alternative to Steel

The world’s tallest wooden wind turbine has recently been constructed by Swedish start-up, Modvion. This innovative development in wind power technology is set to revolutionize the industry, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional steel turbines.

The wooden turbine, standing at 150 meters tall, has already begun supplying electricity to the Swedish grid, providing power for approximately 400 homes. Modvion, the company behind this groundbreaking project, aims to take wood and wind to even greater heights in the future.

The dream of Modvion’s CEO, Otto Lundman, is to see the widespread adoption of wooden turbines, which he believes have great potential. These turbines are made from spruce wood, which is farmed sustainably, ensuring that when trees are harvested, more are planted in their place.

One of the key advantages of wooden turbines is their modular design. This allows for easier transportation and assembly, particularly in challenging locations. The wooden turbine’s structure is made up of 144 layers of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which are glued together to create a strong and flexible wall.

By using wood instead of steel, Modvion claims that the carbon footprint of their turbines is eliminated entirely, making them carbon negative. This is because the trees used in the construction of the turbine absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while they are alive, and the carbon is stored in the wood as long as it does not decompose or burn.

The potential impact of wooden wind turbines on the renewable energy industry is significant. Modvion aims to build another even taller turbine in the near future and plans to open a facility that will produce 100 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027. The company’s ultimate goal is for wooden turbines to account for 10% of the total turbines installed worldwide within the next decade.

In conclusion, the construction of the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine by Modvion marks a major milestone in the renewable energy industry. This innovative technology offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional steel turbines, with the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.