For 2020, the Global Wind Energy Council, had anticipated another record year, with a 20% growth forecast. It is still unclear what the impact of the global pandemic will be on that number.
Despite this major contribution to the energy transition, wind power, — and wind turbines more specifically — face criticism for the collateral impact on the environment. Questions linger about both the materials used to construct towers and blades, such as carbon and glass fibers, as well as the cost in energy, resources and money involved in their transport. Taken together, this has meant that the quest for improving the design and construction of wind turbines has been as big of a subject for researchers and companies as improving their energy efficiency.
Swedish firm Modvion has decided to go back to one of the most basic construction materials: wood. The country’s first wooden power-generation and carbon neutral wind tower is now complete.
Here is what you need to know about this next generation of wind turbines:
The tower is made of sustainably sourced laminated wood, which is stronger than steel, while having the same weight. The whole structure is said to have comparable efficiency to traditional wind turbines.
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