Sweden’s first wooden wind tower is now ready on Björkö outside Gothenburg. The tower is 30 meters tall and was erected by Modvion for the Swedish Wind Power Technology Center. The wood construction is as strong as steel and ensures that the wind turbine is climate neutral from the outset. The company has also announced plans to build the first wooden towers on a commercial scale from as early as 2022.
“This is a major breakthrough that paves the way for the next generation of wind turbines. Laminated wood is stronger than steel at the same weight and by building in modules, the wind turbines can be taller. By building in wood, we also reduce carbon dioxide emissions in manufacturing and instead store carbon dioxide in the design,” said Otto Lundman, CEO of Modvion AB.
The wind power tower erected on Björkö is 30 meters high and will be used for research purposes. However, Modvion has already signed declarations of intent with Varberg Energi for a 110 meter high tower and with Rabbalshede Kraft for 10 towers, at least 150 meters high. The tower was built together with Moelven at the gluewood factory in Töreboda. The lower weight of the wood and the modular concept made it possible to build taller towers, sections of which were transported on public roads.
“Wood has fantastic properties and we need to build much more in wood if we are to meet the climate goals. For us, it is hugely inspiring to participate in this pilot project where we have been able to use renewable wood in a design for the production of renewable energy,” added Johan Åhlén, CEO of Moelven Töreboda.
Wind towers in wood can be built at a significantly lower cost than steel, which lowers the production cost of wind power-generated electricity. The carbon dioxide absorbed by trees as they grow is stored in the wooden towers, which means that the wind turbines are climate neutral right from the start.
“Wind power is expected to be the EU’s largest power source as early as 2027. With wind towers in wood, we get even more climate-smarter renewable electricity to face the climate crisis,” concluded Ola Carlson, Director of the Swedish Wind Power Technology Center and Assistant professor of renewable power generation.
