With the Tiny house, Vattenfall demonstrates how materials can be reused in innovative ways

Externally, it is evident that the Tiny house was originally part of a wind turbine. However, the interior has been meticulously designed to ensure a comfortable and homely stay. The amenities include a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Additionally, the house is equipped with advanced features such as a heat pump, solar panels, and a solar water heater.

Prioritising reuse

In the coming decades, thousands of wind turbines will be decommissioned or replaced. While most components – including the foundation, tower, gearbox, and generator – are primarily made of metal or concrete and are therefore recyclable, traditional recycling methods such as steel remelting require significant energy and generate emissions. A more sustainable approach would be to reuse these materials with minimal processing.

Circularity at Vattenfall

Vattenfall recognises that sustainable business practices are crucial for the continued growth of wind energy and long-term competitiveness. Currently, 85–90% of a wind turbine is recyclable, and Vattenfall has embedded circular principles throughout the entire wind farm lifecycle – from design and development to construction, operation, and ultimately decommissioning.

Recycling of hydraulic oil

At Lillgrund wind farm in Sweden, 12,000 litres of hydraulic oil have been recycled into new base oil for the manufacture of new oil products. The oil was collected by Stena Recycling and sent to Avista Oil A/S in Kalundborg, Denmark, where it was refined into new base oil instead of being incinerated.

Compared with producing new base oil from crude oil, 800 kg of CO₂ per m³ oil was saved. In total, the project saved 9.6 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The process is recommended by the Oil4Life initiative, driven by Thomas Stalin, as one way to achieve a more sustainable use of resources and contribute to a circular economy. The process is now planned as standard for all Vattenfall plants in Sweden.

Low emission steel in Nordlicht wind farm

56 of the 112 turbines installed at the Nordlicht offshore wind farm in Germany will be made in part from low-emission steel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the towers. The low-emission steel is based on 100% steel scrap processed in an electric furnace, which in turn is powered by 100% renewable energy. This reduces the carbon footprint by 66% compared to heavy steel plates produced by conventional steelmaking.

Read more: Vattenfall and BASF partner with Vestas for low-emission steel wind turbines in Germany