Enercon has installed its first wind turbine featuring a lower-emission steel tower at the Diepholzer Bruch wind farm in Germany.
The milestone marks the first use of such a tower in Germany and one of the first in Europe, according to the company.
The hybrid tower incorporates steel sections produced by Ilsenburger Grobblech, part of Salzgitter AG, which cut CO2 emissions by more than 70% using recycled materials, electric arc furnaces, and green electricity.
Enercon said it now offers the green steel option across all its tower models with steel components through partnerships focused on low-emission production and recycled content.
Maria Brand, tower product manager at Enercon, said: “With the green steel option, we offer our customers the opportunity to act sustainably by reducing their carbon footprint and improving their environmental performance.
“There are no differences in strength, stability, or durability. Our quality standards for lower-emission steel towers are the same as for conventionally produced towers.”
WestWind Energy managing director Gerard Meindertsma said: “We are proud to host the first wind turbine with a lower-emission steel tower in our wind farm.
“As a company, we are committed to generating clean and affordable energy. Efficient and responsible use of resources is a key part of our business philosophy.”
Enercon global procurement director for towers Stefan Frey added: “Lower-emission steel production processes are crucial to the sustainability of our products and support our goal of further reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing.”