World’s first wind turbine foundation poured from decarbonised concrete

Two French companies say they have successfully completed the pouring of the world’s first wind turbine foundation made from decarbonised concrete.

Independent green energy operator Valorem and construction firm Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies announced on Monday that they had poured the world’s first wind turbine foundation made from 0% clinker decarbonised concrete.

The wind turbine foundation consists of 630 metres³ of decarbonated concrete which contains no clinker – a solid material byproduct produced during the manufacture of Portland cement which is then used as the binder in many cement products.

Hoffmann’s H-UKR cement replaces Portland cement and is made from industrial by-products and activators from the chemical industry, utilising a cold process which produces low-carbon concrete.

The use of H-UKR cement in the foundations of the Plaine des Moulins wind farm, an 18MW wind farm being built in western France, saves 33 tonnes of CO2, 32 per cent less than Portland concrete.

The foundations also include significant steel reinforcement to ensure the durability of the structure.

“Wind turbine foundations are often the target of misinformation,” said Baptiste Walyn, director of Valrea, Valorem Group’s construction subsidiary.

“While steel-reinforced concrete is non-polluting for the soil, and while all wind turbine foundations are removed at the end of the park’s life and the concrete recycled, we are also proving today that innovation can significantly reduce their carbon impact on the park’s overall carbon footprint.

Hoffmann’s H-UKR cement has also been approved for use in a large number of structures ranging from detached houses to high-rise buildings, and guarantee a lifespan of over 100 years.

Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann, co-founders of Hoffmann, said the achievement will promote eco-responsible construction methods and help to guarantee the quality of the foundations.