German wooden wind turbine blade manufacturer Voodin Blade Technology has reached a significant milestone by installing the prototype of a 19.3-metre laminated veneer lumber (LVL) blade on an existing turbine in Breuna, Germany. The firm made the announcement on Thursday, showcasing its innovative solution to address the growing blade waste problem in the renewable energy industry.
Voodin Blade Technology presented its groundbreaking LVL blade as a sustainable alternative to traditional blades made from fiberglass and carbon fiber. According to the company, its LVL blade is 100% recyclable, costs up to 20% less to produce, and enables turbines to slash CO2 emissions by 78%.
Tom Siekmann, CEO at Voodin Blade Technology, emphasized the urgency of tackling blade waste: "At the end of their lifecycle, most blades are buried in the ground or incinerated. This means that -- at this pace -- we will end up with 50 million tonnes of blade material waste by 2050. With our solution, we want to help green energy truly become as green as possible."
The company highlighted several manufacturing advantages of its technology, including the use of CNC milling to create complex 3D shapes and achieve a high degree of automation and flexibility. This approach reduces the need for labor and potentially allows for blade production to be closer to projects, cutting transportation emissions.
Moreover, Voodin's internal tests have demonstrated the durability of its wooden blades in withstanding various onshore weather conditions. Jorge Castillo, the company's co-founder, stated, "We have conducted hundreds of laboratory tests during the past two years to perfect the blade material. According to all our tests, our blades are even more durable than the existing fiberglass blades, as they show fewer fatigue characteristics and are proven to endure all kinds of onshore weather conditions extremely well."
Looking ahead, Voodin is focused on developing new prototypes, including 60-metre and 80-metre blades, as it continues to lead innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Source: Renewables Now