Sweden's first wooden wind tower is now ready on Björkö outside Gothenburg. The tower is 30 meters high and was erected by the development company Modvion. The wood construction is as strong as steel and makes the wind turbine climate neutral from the start. As early as 2022, the first wooden towers will be built on a commercial scale. Modvion has 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.
"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”, says Otto Lundman, CEO of Modvion AB.
The 30 meter tall tower was built together with Moelven at the gluewood factory in Töreboda. The lower weight of the wood and the modular concept make it possible to build taller towers, the sections of which can be transported on public roads.
The wind towers in wood can be built at a significantly lower cost than steel, which lowers the production cost of the 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.
The Swedish Wind Power Technology Centre at Chalmers is the client for the wooden tower on Björkö.
