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Vestas has partnered with ArcelorMittal to introduce low-emission steel, cutting CO2 in wind turbine towers. The steel is produced using 100% recycled scrap, melted in a wind-powered electric arc furnace in Belgium, and transformed into heavy plates at a mill in Spain.
These plates, with an Environmental Product Declaration, yield a 52% CO2 reduction in onshore towers. Using low-emission steel in the top sections of offshore towers achieves a 25% emission decrease, contributing to a 66% reduction in emission intensity. The Baltic Power Offshore Wind Project in Poland will pioneer this initiative, with 52 towers incorporating low-emission steel out of 76.
Dieter Dehoorne, Head of Global Procurement at Vestas, said, “Finding ways to decarbonise the emissions produced during the raw material extraction and refinement of steel is vital for us and the industry in general. Vestas sees the partnership with ArcelorMittal and the adoption of low-emission steel as a significant lever in reducing CO2 emissions within the wind industry. Commitment from our customers is vital to drive the transition so we are very happy that we can provide value to our customers with this solution. The Baltic Power Offshore Wind Project stands as a solid example of this progress, having secured the first order and affirming the delivery of substantial value to our customers.”
Laurent Plasman, CMO Industry, ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products, noted,“This partnership sends a strong message that it is possible today, to start building the renewable energy infrastructure needed in Europe, with low carbon-emissions steel made with a European supply chain. Having a strong partnership throughout the supply chain is vital to achieve this, so we would like to thank Vestas and Baltic Power for their vision in using XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel in this important offshore wind project. With stronger public policy support for the use of low carbon-emissions steel in the building of renewables infrastructure, this project could be the first of many to provide wind energy for homes and industry across Europe.”
Jarosław Broda, CEO Baltic Power, noted,”As the first offshore wind farm in the world to utilize low-emission steel, Baltic Power, a joint venture between ORLEN and Northland Power, is pioneering a sustainable future in the renewable energy sector. Being the largest investment in renewable sources in this part of Europe, our project is setting new benchmarks. The use of low-emission steel from Vestas and ArcelorMittal in our wind farm underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. We are proud to lead the way in transforming Poland’s energy landscape as we progress towards completing the construction by 2026.”
