By Clarice Sivesgaard Abacan, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photos: MADE4WIND, Esben Lindgaard

The MADE4WIND project officially launched with a consortium meeting in Gran Canaria, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable offshore wind energy. The Horizon Europe-funded initiative brings together 14 partners from eight countries to revolutionize the design and manufacturing of floating wind turbines.

Driving Innovation in Next-Generation Wind Energy

As a key partner, the CraCS research group at Aalborg University is spearheading innovations in wind turbine blade technology. Their work focuses on:

• Recycling and re-use of blade reinforcement materials
• Lightweight interleave toughening solutions
• Enhanced blade manufacturing using preforms

AAU’s contributions aim to improve the sustainability and efficiency of next-generation turbine blades, aligning with the MADE4WIND project’s goal of enabling large-scale deployment of >15 MW floating wind farms worldwide.

Launch Event at PLOCAN: A Hub for Innovation

The launch event included a visit to the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), a cutting-edge facility for testing marine renewable energy technologies. Participants explored PLOCAN’s offshore test site via a virtual reality tour, delved into its advancements in ocean observation, and learned about its role in supporting offshore wind innovation. The visit highlighted the collaborative spirit of the project and the importance of advanced testing environments in achieving renewable energy goals.

Advancing the Future of Offshore Wind

MADE4WIND is a four-year project with a budget of €6 million, aiming to:

• Develop recyclable turbine blades
• Design advanced substructures and compact drivetrains
• Integrate circular materials and processes
• Implement state-of-the-art software for lifecycle cost analysis and remote monitoring

The consortium includes leading academic and industry partners such as SINTEF, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Siemens Gamesa, Ingeteam, Norsk Hydro, Fibertex Nonwovens A/S, ifeu - Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung Heidelberg gGmbH, Zabala Innovation Europe, Zabala Innovation Spain, Ingeteam Indar Machines, ACCIONA, and RES.

With Aalborg University and its partners leading innovation, MADE4WIND is set to redefine sustainability in offshore wind energy and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.