Stora Enso and wood technology company Modvion are partnering to establish wood as the material of choice for wind turbine towers. The collaboration's purpose is to demonstrate the vast possibilities in using timber in demanding constructions.
Swedish wood technology company Modvion develops demanding designs made from LVL. Stora Enso is a leading supplier of LVL Thanks to their patented module system, Modvion has been able to develop wind towers at decreased manufacturing costs and more efficient transportation for installations of tall towers. The operation is part-financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, the Västra Götaland region and the EU program Horizon 2020 EIC Accelerator. Taller towers reach stronger winds, leading to more cost-efficient energy production.
"We are proud to enter into partnership with Modvion who, like us, strive to push boundaries and demonstrate the possibilities with wood," said Lars Völkel, Executive Vice President, Division Wood Products, Stora Enso. "As one of the largest sawn wood producers and private forest owners in the world we play an important role in the transformation to a greener society. By contributing our expertise to Modvion we can further help make a difference in mitigating climate change and supporting the EU's drive to increase renewable energy production."
Using wood can reduce the CO2 emissions for the tower by 90% while also storing carbon dioxide that has been taken up by trees during their growth. The wood used for advanced constructions such as wind turbine towers can be reused in new wood-based products which provides further long-term climate benefits.
"The commitment of Stora Enso to replace fossil-based materials with renewables is a perfect match for Modvion," said Otto Lundman, CEO of Modvion. "To solve the climate crisis, we need more renewable energy as well as increased use of sustainable, wooden constructions. Together with Stora Enso we can enable both."
