RWE has announced that it is testing two new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its wind farms.
The technologies are being tested at the Orkoien pilot onshore wind project near Pamplona in Spain, where the equipment will be used on a 5.7MW turbine.
One aims to make the construction phase of the plant more environmentally friendly while the other aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the operation phase.
Construction works are currently underway and commissioning is planned for summer 2023.
In the first method, special plastic mats are used for the first time in the construction phase. These will help minimise construction-related impact on the soil in temporary work areas such as access roads and storage areas.
The second piece of equipment will use an insulating agent in the circuit breaker at the base of the tower to interrupt the electrical currents by cooling and extinguishing the arc that occurs when a circuit is opened.
Current processes use sulphur hexafluoride, which is a greenhouse gas.
RWE Renewables CEO for Onshore Wind and Solar Europe & Australia Katja Wünschel said: “Our strategy, which is geared towards sustainability, is not only based on the vigorous expansion of renewable energy.
“RWE is also devoting all its energy to the important task of producing green electricity in an even more environmentally friendly way. Along the way, our engineers are constantly on the lookout for innovative technologies to reduce the ecological footprint of our projects. The Orkoien wind turbine offers very good conditions for testing two novel processes under real-life conditions.”