Energy giant RWE has unveiled a plan to implement reusable monopile foundation covers at its Thor wind farm in the Danish North Sea. Such structures, previously used on another project, are now intended to protect the monopiles ahead of the installation of wind turbines in 2026.
Recycling of monopile foundation covers
The reusable covers, supplied by Dutch company Circular Covers BV , are made from fibreglass-reinforced composite panels and fixed to steel frames. Their design allows them to be adapted to different monopile diameters, extending their lifespan up to 15 years or more, significantly reducing waste in the offshore wind industry.
We are committed to sustainability improvements and innovations in our offshore wind projects, and reusable covers are an important part of this. At RWE, we are the first in the world to install covers from Circular Covers BV that have already been used offshore.
These covers reduce waste and increase circularity, while the initiative exemplifies our dedication to sustainable practices. Additionally, our Thor wind farm will pilot turbine towers made from CO₂-reducing steel and use recyclable wind turbine blades.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind
The Thor wind farm has a capacity of 1.1 GW and will pioneer the implementation of towers made from low-CO₂ steel and recyclable rotor blades . Carbon reduction in steel production will be achieved by using green electricity and metal waste instead of iron ore, while the technology applied to the blades will allow their materials to be separated and reused at the end of their useful life.
The installation of the foundations and reusable covers will begin in spring this year, while the assembly of the turbines is scheduled for 2026. In addition, the company has announced that the operation and maintenance plan for the park will generate between 50 and 60 local jobs, boosting the economy in the Jutland region.
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Source and photos: RWE
