RWE and Siemens Gamesa install recyclable blades at scale on Sofia Offshore Wind Farm in UK first

RWE and Siemens Gamesa install recyclable blades at scale on Sofia Offshore Wind Farm in UK first

(IN BRIEF) RWE and Siemens Gamesa have begun the large-scale installation of recyclable rotor blades at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, marking a UK first and a milestone in offshore wind sustainability. A total of 150 blades will be deployed across 50 turbines, with half already fitted. Manufactured in Hull, the recyclable blades use an innovative resin that allows their materials to be separated and repurposed at end of life, supporting the circular economy. Offshore construction is progressing with the specialist vessel Wind Peak, and the project remains on track for completion in 2026. At full capacity of 1.4 GW, Sofia will generate enough renewable electricity to power 1.2 million UK homes, reinforcing RWE’s commitment to sustainability and Siemens Gamesa’s leadership in blade innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) SWINDON, 22-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — RWE, in partnership with Siemens Gamesa, has reached a milestone in offshore wind innovation with the first large-scale installation of recyclable rotor blades at a UK offshore wind farm. The blades, produced at Siemens Gamesa’s advanced manufacturing facility in Hull, are being deployed across 50 of the 100 turbines at the 1.4 GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, located on Dogger Bank in the central North Sea.

The recyclable blades are made using a specially developed resin that allows their composite materials to be separated and reused once the turbines reach the end of their operational life. Instead of being disposed of, the recovered materials can be transformed into new products ranging from vehicle parts to consumer goods such as bicycle helmets and suitcases. This breakthrough supports the circular economy and sets a new benchmark for sustainability in renewable energy.

Thomas Michel, COO of RWE Offshore Wind, commented:
“This installation is a landmark for RWE and for Sofia. Deploying recyclable blades at this scale demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainability across our renewable fleet. Working with Siemens Gamesa, we are pushing the boundaries of what offshore wind can deliver for both clean energy and circularity.”

Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK, added:
“Having the first recyclable blades installed in UK waters is a major milestone. It shows the power of collaboration in tackling both energy security and climate goals. Our Hull facility is at the forefront of blade innovation, and partnering with RWE on Sofia reinforces our role in shaping a net-zero future.”

The installation of 150 recyclable blades follows an agreement signed in 2023 between RWE and Siemens Gamesa. Half of the blades have already been installed, with the remainder scheduled for completion later this year. Offshore construction is being carried out by Siemens Gamesa using the specialist vessel Wind Peak, operated by Cadeler out of the Port of Hull.

This initiative builds on RWE’s earlier world-first deployment of Siemens Gamesa’s recyclable blades at the Kaskasi Offshore Wind Farm in Germany and highlights the company’s broader ambition to use sustainable technologies that lower carbon emissions and extend material lifecycles.

Once completed and operational in 2026, Sofia will be one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms. Featuring Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD turbines with 108-metre blades and a 222-metre rotor diameter, the project will generate enough clean energy to supply approximately 1.2 million UK homes with electricity.

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. It 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
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current views, expectations and assumptions of management, and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee the occurrence of future results and developments and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and developments may deviate materially from the expectations and assumptions expressed in this document due to various factors. These factors primarily include changes in the general economic and competitive environment. Furthermore, developments on financial markets and changes in currency exchange rates as well as changes in national and international laws, in particular in respect of fiscal regulation, and other factors influence the company’s future results and developments. Neither the company nor any of its affiliates undertakes to update the statements contained in this press release.

RWE Offshore Wind GmbH | Corporate Communications & Public Affairs | RWE Platz 4 | 45141 Essen | Germany
T +49 201 5179-5008 | communications@rwe.com | www.rwe.com/press

UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The personal data processed in connection with the press releases will be processed in compliance with the legal data protection requirements. If you are not interested in continuing to receive the press release, please inform us at communications@rwe.com.
Your data will then be deleted and you will not receive any further press releases from us in this regard. If you have any questions about our data protection policy or the exercise of your rights under the GDPR, please contact ukdataprotectionrwe@rwe.com.

Media Contact:

Mark Fleming
Media Relations UK
RWE Offshore Wind
M +44 (0) 7825 608096
E mark.fleming@rwe.com

SOURCE: RWE