RWE has installed the world’s first offshore wind turbine in Denmark featuring a low-CO2 steel tower along with recyclable rotor blades. This development marks a significant milestone within the Thor project, considered the country’s largest offshore wind farm with a total capacity of 1.1 GW.
Currently, the wind farm involves the installation of 72 wind turbines of up to 15 MW each, with commissioning scheduled for late 2026. Of this total, half will feature towers manufactured with lower carbon footprint steel, while 40 turbines will integrate 120 recyclable blades.
Wind turbine with low-CO2 steel to reduce carbon footprint
On one hand, the tower utilizes Siemens Gamesa’s GreenerTower technology, based on steel that reduces CO2 emissions by at least 63% compared to conventional methods. This result is achieved through certified processes using furnaces powered by renewable energy and recycled materials.
On the other hand, the recyclable blades incorporate an innovative resin that allows composite materials to be separated at the end of their service life. Furthermore, these materials can be reused in industries such as automotive or consumer goods, extending their life cycle.
Toward a circular economy in offshore wind
The incorporation of these technologies responds to the need to move toward a circular economy model in wind energy. According to RWE, offshore wind already presents one of the lowest carbon footprints among power generation technologies, although the goal is to continue reducing its impact.
In this regard, Siemens Gamesa points out that solutions like RecyclableBlade allow for addressing the growing challenge of component recycling, especially given the increase in large-scale installations.
Project progress and energy capacity
The Thor wind farm continues to progress according to schedule. During the last year, the offshore substation installation and foundations were completed, while it recently began supplying electricity to the Danish grid.
When it enters full operation in 2027, it is estimated that it will be able to supply more than one million homes with renewable electricity. Additionally, the project anticipates the creation of between 50 and 60 local jobs for operations and maintenance.
RWE consolidates its leadership in offshore wind
RWE reinforces its position as one of the leading global players in offshore wind energy with this project. The company already operates 18 offshore wind farms and is developing new projects in Europe, including installations in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Thus, the implementation of turbines with low-carbon steel and recyclable blades at Thor represents a concrete step toward more sustainable and efficient power generation in the long term.
Source and photo: RWE