A Bold Step Toward Sustainable Energy
In a groundbreaking move, Ørsted, the global leader in offshore wind energy, has unveiled a game-changing innovation for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm: recyclable monopile covers. After a year of rigorous testing in collaboration with suppliers TME and CS WIND Offshore, the new material promises to slash landfill waste by an average of 10 tonnes per project. This isn’t just a win for sustainability—it’s a leap forward for the entire renewable energy sector.
Monopile covers, or TP-covers, are essential for protecting the foundations and cables of offshore wind turbines during construction. Traditionally, these covers have posed a significant environmental challenge, as they’re made from materials that are difficult to recycle. Ørsted, however, has turned this problem into an opportunity by pioneering a recyclable alternative that doesn’t compromise on durability or performance.
From Testing to Transformation
The journey to this breakthrough wasn’t easy. Ørsted first explored every possible option for recycling the conventional material used in monopile covers. When none proved viable, TME stepped in with a bold proposal: a new recyclable material designed to withstand the harsh offshore environment.
The material underwent extensive testing, including outdoor endurance trials at CS WIND Offshore’s facilities and laboratory analyses. The results? A resounding success. The new covers not only meet the demanding requirements of offshore construction but also align with Ørsted’s commitment to sustainability. Once construction is complete, the covers can be recycled, eliminating the need for new materials and reducing waste.
A Greener Future for Offshore Wind
Rasmus Uldahl Kjeldsen, Head of Construction Sustainability at Ørsted, emphasized the importance of this innovation: “At Ørsted, we believe protecting our environment can go hand in hand with innovation and efficiency. This collaboration with TME and CS WIND Offshore shows that designing out waste from the beginning is possible—and it doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality or cost.”
Jess Westcott, Project Director for Hornsea 3, echoed this sentiment: “One of our ambitions for Hornsea 3 is to make it the greenest offshore wind farm yet. Using recyclable monopile covers is another step forward in our sustainability journey.”
Hornsea 3, set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, is already a beacon of innovation. With the introduction of these recyclable covers, Ørsted is setting a new standard for the industry—one that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technology.
