Experts at Sweden’s Modvion are harnessing the strength of wood to collect wind energy.
Modvion’s crane installing the turbine support structure. (Photo: Yahoo).
The world’s tallest wooden wind turbine from Modvion has been commissioned by the energy company Varberg Energi in Sweden. Including the blades, the total height of the turbine reaches 150 meters. This 2 MW turbine is expected to be transported to Skara, Sweden, later this year.
In addition to its height, Modvion is also leveraging other benefits of wooden design. The laminated wood used for construction is durable and lighter than steel. In the photos shared by the company, the crane stacks multiple wooden columns on top of each other to form the support structure. These columns are arranged in a semi-circular shape and assembled on-site. Because the interior of the support structure is hollow, the walls can be made thicker, enhancing durability. The modular wooden design utilizes adhesives during assembly instead of bolts, contributing to maximizing the strength of the natural wood fibers.
Modvion’s engineering team states that height is crucial for capturing wind as it is stronger and more stable at higher altitudes. Wooden support structures can be built taller effectively compared to other materials, helping to reduce costs. The lighter material also facilitates easier transportation. Modvion has chosen spruce wood from Scandinavia, a tree that grows quickly enough to mitigate the impacts of deforestation.
Wooden supports emit over 90% less greenhouse gases compared to metal supports throughout their operational lifespan. When decommissioned, the turbine can be reused in other construction projects. The company has installed a prototype on Björkö Island in Sweden, produced in 2020.
