Russian steelmaker NLMK has announced that its Denmark-based subsidiary NLMK DanSteel has joined the European research and development program aimed at improving the construction of foundations for offshore wind turbines in order to reduce their weight and cost, as well as raise the investment appeal of wind generation.
Other participants from the Danish side are DONG Energy and Bladt Industries A/S, a manufacturer of foundations for turbines. The research project is carried out by the UK Carbon Trust Offshore Wind Accelerator program (OWA), aimed at promoting offshore wind generation and reducing the cost of wind energy.
As part of the experimental program, NLMK DanSteel will supply thick plates of special dimensions made from high-strength steel to be made into piles used in the foundations for new-generation turbines.