RWE Advances Offshore Wind Sustainability with First Installation of Low Carbon Turbine Technology at Denmark’s Thor Project

RWE Advances Offshore Wind Sustainability with First Installation of Low Carbon Turbine Technology at Denmark’s Thor Project

(IN BRIEF) RWE has installed the world’s first offshore wind turbine featuring both a CO₂-reduced steel tower and recyclable rotor blades at its Thor wind farm in Denmark, marking a major step in advancing sustainable wind energy technology. The 1.1 GW project, developed in partnership with Siemens Gamesa, will include 72 turbines, with a significant portion incorporating low-emission materials and recyclable components. Construction is progressing as planned, with key infrastructure already in place and electricity generation underway. Once completed in 2027, Thor will provide renewable energy to over one million Danish homes while also supporting local job creation. The project highlights RWE’s commitment to reducing lifecycle emissions and scaling circular solutions across offshore wind developments.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 10-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — RWE has reached a significant milestone in offshore wind innovation with the installation of the world’s first turbine equipped with a CO₂-reduced steel tower and fully recyclable rotor blades at its Thor offshore wind farm in Denmark. The project, located off the country’s west coast, is progressing on schedule and represents a major step forward in enhancing the sustainability of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

The 1.1-gigawatt Thor wind farm will ultimately consist of 72 turbines, each capable of generating up to 15 megawatts. By the end of 2026, all turbines are expected to be installed, with 36 of them incorporating lower-emission steel towers and 40 turbines fitted with a total of 120 recyclable rotor blades. These innovations are being delivered in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, whose technologies are designed to significantly reduce lifecycle emissions and improve material circularity.

RWE’s deployment of Siemens Gamesa’s GreenerTower technology introduces steel components manufactured with at least 63 percent lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional processes. This is achieved through the use of renewable-powered production methods and recycled materials. Complementing this, the recyclable rotor blades use a specialized resin that allows composite materials to be separated and reused, opening opportunities for repurposing in industries such as automotive and consumer goods.

Sven Utermöhlen highlighted that while offshore wind already ranks among the lowest carbon-emitting energy sources, the integration of greener materials marks a further step toward achieving a fully circular model. Marc Becker underlined that the introduction of recyclable blades alongside lower-emission towers demonstrates how sustainability innovations can be implemented at industrial scale without compromising safety or performance.

The Thor project continues to advance according to schedule. Key milestones, including the installation of the offshore substation and turbine foundations, have already been completed. Turbine installation is now well underway, and the project has recently begun delivering electricity to Denmark’s grid. Once fully operational in 2027, Thor will be capable of generating enough renewable power to supply the equivalent of more than one million Danish households.

In addition to its energy output, the project is expected to contribute to local economic development. RWE has opened a new service facility at the Port of Thorsminde, which will support ongoing operations and maintenance and is expected to create between 50 and 60 local jobs.

Thor is being developed as a joint venture between RWE, which holds a 51 percent stake and is responsible for construction and long-term operations, and Norges Bank Investment Management, which holds the remaining 49 percent. The project forms part of RWE’s broader offshore wind portfolio, which currently includes 18 operational wind farms worldwide, alongside major developments such as the Sofia project in the UK, Nordseecluster in Germany, and OranjeWind in the Netherlands.

RWE
RWE is leading the way to a modern energy world. With its investment and growth strategy, RWE is contributing significantly to the success of the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the energy system. Around 20,000 employees work for the company in almost 30 countries worldwide. RWE is one of the leading companies in the field of renewable energy. RWE is investing billions of euros in expanding its generation portfolio, in particular in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and batteries. This is perfectly complemented by its global energy trading business. Thanks to its integrated portfolio of renewables, battery storage and flexible generation, as well as its broad project pipeline of possible new builds, RWE is well positioned to address the growing global demand for electricity, particularly driven by further electrification and artificial intelligence. RWE is decarbonising its business in line with the 1.5-degree reduction pathway and will phase out coal by 2030. RWE will be net zero by 2040. Fully in line with the company’s purpose – Our energy for a sustainable life.

Forward-looking statements
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Media Contact:

Sarah Knauber
Press Spokesperson
RWE Offshore Wind GmbH
M +49-162-2544489
E sarah.knauber@rwe.com

SOURCE: RWE