Renewable energy leader Ørsted, in collaboration with suppliers TME and CS Wind Offshore, has successfully developed a recyclable tarpaulin material for monopile covers after a year-long testing phase. This innovation is set to reduce landfill waste by an average of 10 tonnes per offshore wind project.
Monopile covers, also known as TP covers, are essential for protecting the foundations and cables of offshore wind turbines during construction. These covers must be durable enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions. However, their traditional materials have posed significant environmental challenges due to difficulties in recycling.
To tackle this issue, Ørsted initially explored all available industrial recycling options for conventional cover materials. When none proved viable, TME proposed a new recyclable alternative. The material underwent rigorous testing, including outdoor endurance trials at CS Wind Offshore’s facilities and subsequent laboratory assessments, confirming its suitability for use.
The recyclable tarpaulin will debut during the construction of Hornsea 3, the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Once the project is complete, the material can be recycled, further enhancing the sustainability of the operation.
Rasmus Uldahl Kjeldsen, Ørsted’s Head of Construction Sustainability, emphasized the company’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with innovation and efficiency. “This collaboration with TME and CS Wind Offshore demonstrates that eliminating waste from the outset is achievable without compromising quality or increasing costs,” he said.
Jess Westcott, Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Project Director, highlighted the broader sustainability goals of the project. “One of our key ambitions for Hornsea 3 is to make it the greenest offshore wind farm to date. Introducing recyclable monopile covers is a significant step forward in our sustainability journey,” she noted.
This breakthrough marks a major milestone in Ørsted’s efforts to minimize waste and promote circular economy practices in the renewable energy sector.
