Circularity projects
Explore our circularity projects and how circularity is implemented in our business.
By reducing the use of virgin materials, circularity helps to minimise mining and raw material processing, along with the associated CO2 emissions and impacts on biodiversity. The following examples show circular projects across Vattenfall.
Watching eye encourages plastics recycling
Vattenfall's FossilEye technology uses digital cameras to improve the sorting and recycling of plastic waste, which is an important way to reduce fossil carbon dioxide emissions from waste incineration.
Highlighted projects
96% of materials recycled from the R2 reactor
Vattenfall achieved high recycling rates during the dismantling of the R2 nuclear research reactor.
Circular targets in our wind business
Vattenfall adopted circular targets on wind turbine blades and permanent magnets.
From waste heat to fish feed
We are testing a system where excess heat from a data centre is used to grow black soldier fly larvae that become feed for salmon and trout at Vattenfall’s Heden compensation farm.
More circularity projects
Offshore wind turbines get reusable covers
Reusable covers for foundations were used during the installation of the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid.
From blades to buildings
Turbine blades from a decommissioned wind farm have become a very visible part of the façade of an eco-friendly multistorey car park.
Wind turbine turned into compact living
Wind turbine nacelle turned into a tiny house, showcasing innovative reuse of materials during the Dutch Design Week 2024.
Vattenfall‘s circular approach for office renovations
Vattenfall maximised the reuse of existing materials when renovating the office in Arnhem.
Circularity in our heat operations
Vattenfall’s initiative SamEnergi is turning excess heat into local value through smart integration with district heating networks.
Creating demand for near-zero cement
Vattenfall and Cemvision have partnered to develop and supply near-zero emission cement, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 95% compared to traditional cement by 2030.
Vattenfall and SSAB in new fossil-free steel collaboration
Vattenfall and SSAB have signed a letter of intent regarding deliveries of fossil-free steel produced with HYBRIT technology.
Wind turbine blades to skis
We are working with partners to produce skis with recycled materials from wind turbine blades which have reached the end of their operational life.
Circular design in heat transfer station
The Hakfort heat transfer station is part of the district heating network in Amsterdam. It has been designed to be as circular as possible.
Pilot project: reusing substation buildings
As part of our efforts to reduce environmental impact, Vattenfall Eldistribution will test circular construction and reuse of existing substation buildings.
Recyclable blades in Hollandse Kust Zuid
The offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid in the Netherlands uses Siemens Gamesa’s RecyclableBlades, which are designed for recycling.
Circular IT and reuse of equipment
Vattenfall has a long-term partnership with IT recycling companies Inrego and AFB to optimise reuse and recycling of IT equipment.
Reused bricks in new substation
Using reused bricks for substation buildings reduced the carbon footprint by over 90%, enhancing sustainability in a power grid project.
See also
Vattenfall has formulated a strategy to reach our goal of fossil freedom.
Vattenfall is a part of, and a partner to, society.
Solutions and innovations that bring us closer to fossil freedom.