A pilot project between a concrete manufacturer, minerals company, and wind farm developer in WA will explore the use of low-carbon concrete in wind turbine towers and foundations.
The Suvo Strategic Minerals and PERMAcast joint venture (we reported on in June 2024) has inked its first deal, signing a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Perth-based wind farm developer, Wind with Purpose (WWP).
WWP is engaged in potential development of large-scale on- and off-shore wind energy projects off Western Australia, which if successful, will require the construction of 400-500 wind turbines.
The volume of concrete required per foundation for an on-shore wind turbine can exceed 1000 m³, with the current commercial value of concrete being roughly $300 per cubic metre, according to the JV.
PERMAcast CEO Darren Hedley believes the MoU with Wind With Purpose represents a significant step forward in demonstrating the potential of sustainable concrete solutions in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
He said the collaboration “could revolutionise how wind turbine foundations are constructed,” significantly reducing the carbon footprint of renewable energy projects in WA and beyond.
Suvo’s Executive Chairperson, Aaron Banks, revealed the JV is investigating new technology to build the footings and towers out of precast components and has already commenced negotiations with owners of this technology.
“Building both the footings and towers from precast components would require significantly more concrete again” he said.
Wind With Purpose CEO Chris Kearney said the pilot research project would be located at its proposed Wind Innovation Skills Park (WISP) in Rockingham, testing low carbon concrete’s potential to decarbonise wind infrastructure.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.