Dong dismantles world's 1st offshore wind park

Danish utility and major offshore wind developer Dong Energy A/S (CPH:DENERG) has completed dismantling the world's first offshore wind farm, the 4.95-MW Vindeby facility.

The demonstration offshore wind farm, built in 1991, consisted of 11 turbines located off the island of Lolland in southeastern Denmark. Dong decided to decommission it as the turbines had been in operation for more than 25 years. Some of the components will be reused as spare parts. The blades, some of which will undergo a research project at DTU Riso, will be reused in an innovative noise barrier concept, the company said.

Components not immediately reusable have been transported to a certified recovery company. One Vindeby turbine, meanwhile, will join the exhibition at the Danish Museum of Energy in Bjerringbro.

The dismantling process started in March. Dong said it developed the dismantling method in partnership with the winning contractors and then went through a lengthy permitting process.

"This is the first time we're dismantling an offshore wind farm, but luckily, we've been able to draw on our vast experience from constructing offshore wind farms and working offshore," said Leif Winther, senior lead business developer in Dong.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!