RWE is to repower a wind turbine in Emsland, Germany to set an example as to how the structures can be more sustainable.
The 1.8MW turbine, which has been in operation at the Lengerich wind farm since 2003, will be replaced by a modern 5.7MW turbine.
This means that the much more powerful wind turbine will be able to supply around 4,000 households with climate-neutral electricity in the future, RWE said.
So far, the existing turbine has produced enough green electricity to meet the needs of 1,000 households.
In addition, for the first time RWE will use a precast foundation for the construction of the new plant.
The foundation developed by Smart & Green Anker Foundations consists of 100% prefabricated parts produced in the concrete plant.
Only one third of the steel and concrete usual for cast standard foundations is used.
Since all parts can be produced in advance in a concrete plant, the construction time is also significantly reduced, as the construction can take place in almost any weather, RWE said.
Assembly is also less complicated, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it added.
Instead of using 120 concrete mixers, the parts are delivered by around 30 truck journeys and then screwed together on site.
They can easily be dismantled again at a later date, RWE said.
The certification process for foundation is currently underway and will be also used to apply for a modification permit for the already approved wind turbine.
The dismantling of the old wind turbine is planned for spring next year.
Construction of the new plant, which is scheduled to go into operation in the fourth quarter of 2023, will then also begin.
The hub height is 118 metres, the foundation will have a weight of around 800 tonnes.