Work has started on the construction of seven turbines which comprise the Salzgitter wind farm. Three will be erected on the site of the integrated steelworks operated by Salzgitter Flachstahl, with four more on the surrounding group premises.
Avacon Natur, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avacon AG, is the developer and operator of the park. The hubs of the turbines built by Vestas will reach a height of 169 meters. They’ll have a total output of approximately 30 MW.
The cost of the whole project –including the construction of the wind turbines and the hydrogen plant and the necessary facilities–amounts to around €50 million.
The turbines are another building block in the energy project “Salzgitter Wind Hydrogen” which aims to produce green hydrogen for steel production. Salzgitter Flachstahl will also be building a PEM Electrolysis plant which will be supplied by Siemens in the course of this year.
The hydrogen can be used in the reduction of iron ore in place of the usual carbon. This also plays an important role in the principle of “SALCOS–Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking” and contributes to the goal of low-CO2 steel production.
Works began back in January in preparation for the seven turbines, starting with access roads and areas for cranes and construction machinery. The turbines are scheduled to be completed in fall 2020.
