Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

RWE Installs Recyclable Blades, Over Half of Turbines at Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

Key highlights
  • RWE's Sofia Offshore Wind Farm has installed over 60% of its 100 turbines.
  • All 150 Siemens Gamesa recyclable blades are installed, marking a UK first.
  • The project aims for full turbine installation by mid-2026.
  • Sofia will generate enough power for 1.2 million UK homes.

Project Progress

RWE's Sofia Offshore Wind Farm has reached a significant milestone with the installation of over 60% of its 100 turbines. Located 195km off the UK’s East coast, the project remains on track to achieve commercial operation by September 2026.

Recyclable Blades Installation

The installation of all 150 Siemens Gamesa recyclable blades has been completed, marking the first large-scale deployment of this technology at a UK offshore wind farm. These blades use a unique resin that allows for easy separation of materials at the end of their lifecycle, supporting high-value recycling.

Future Capacity

Once fully operational, Sofia will have a maximum installed capacity of 1.4 gigawatts, capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power approximately 1.2 million UK homes. The development uses Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD turbines with 108-metre blades and a 222-metre rotor diameter.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sofia builds on RWE’s previous installation of recyclable blades at Germany’s Kaskasi Offshore Wind Farm, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainable projects and a circular, low-carbon economy. RWE plans to install similar blades at the Thor offshore project off the Danish coast.