Modvion has constructed Sweden’s first wooden wind tower on Björkö outside of Gothenburg. The wood construction is as solid as steel, which makes the wind turbine climate neutral from the beginning.
The wind power tower that is now erected at Björkö is 30 meters high and will be used for research purposes. Commercial scale construction of the wood towers will begin as early as 2022.
“This is a major breakthrough that paves the way for the next generation of wind turbines.
Otto Lundman, CEO of Modvion AB.
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.”
The 30-meter-high tower was constructed at the gluewood factory in Töreboda together with Moelven. The lower wood weight and the modular design allow for the construction of higher towers, the parts of which can be 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.”
Johan Åhlén, CEO of Moelven Töreboda.
The wood wind towers can be built at considerably lower cost than steel, which lowers the production cost of the electricity produced by wind power.
The carbon dioxide consumed by trees as they grow is deposited in the wooden towers, ensuring the wind turbines are climate neutral from the very beginning.
The Swedish Wind Power Technology Center at Chalmers is the client for the wooden tower on Björkö.
“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.”
Ola Carlson, director of the Swedish Wind Power Technology Center.
