RWE has successfully commissioned its onshore wind project, Orkoien, near Pamplona, Spain. This pioneering project, featuring a 5.7MW onshore wind turbine, saw the implementation of two groundbreaking technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact during construction and reducing greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
RWE, a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has demonstrated its commitment to producing more sustainable green electricity. Katja Wünschel, Chief Executive of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, emphasized the project's significance, stating, “At Orkoien, our team has shown what smart engineering solutions can achieve. We take these learnings and plan to apply them to other projects as well. This fits perfectly with our strong sustainable growth strategy, both here in our core market Spain and globally.”
During the construction phase of the project, RWE introduced an innovative approach by using special plastic mats, a first in Spain. These mats were employed in temporary work areas, including access roads and storage sites, to minimize the construction-related impact on the soil. This approach eliminated the need for excavation and graveling, preserving the soil's integrity. Once the construction was completed, the vegetation could regenerate naturally. Importantly, these mats, partially made from recycled materials, can be reused in future projects, highlighting their sustainability.
Robert Navarro, President and Chief Executive of RWE Renewables Iberia, praised the effectiveness of these plastic mats, saying, “During the construction of Orkoien, we faced harsh weather conditions with heavy rains and flooded soil. Nevertheless, we had secure access roads for the installation of the wind turbine. That is why the mats are now part of our construction toolbox for upcoming projects.”
The second groundbreaking technology introduced in the Orkoien pilot project eliminates the use of SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), a greenhouse gas, in the medium-voltage switchgear at the base of the turbine tower. SF6 had previously been used to interrupt electrical currents by cooling and extinguishing the arc that occurs when a circuit is opened. Recognizing the environmental impact of SF6, RWE tested an alternative solution labeled “SF6-free switchgear.” This new technology relies on 85% dry air and 15% C5 fluoroketones as an insulating agent. Not only is this approach environmentally friendly, but it also boasts the same technical reliability as SF6. RWE's adoption of this technology aligns with the EU's plan to ban SF6 for new plants from 2031, underlining the company's forward-looking approach to sustainability.
