Steel: the backbone of wind energy
Did you know that it takes up to 285 tons of steel to build one wind turbine on land? More than 80% of the components of a typical wind turbine are made of steel. ArcelorMittal plays a key role in this as a producer of specialty steel for the wind power industry.
Our steels are used in:
- towers and masts: heavy plates and coils
- foundations: reinforcing bars and ballast
- generators and transformers: electrical steel
Thanks to close collaboration with our customers who manufacture wind turbines, we develop innovative steel solutions that meet the most stringent requirements in terms of safety, performance, sustainability, and efficiency.
Wind power: essential for Europe's green future
Europe aims to get at least 42.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Wind turbines are crucial in this energy transition. They convert kinetic energy into electricity, which can be used locally.
What does a wind turbine look like?
A wind turbine consists of:
- a platform
- a mast
- rotor blades
- a gondola with a generator
- a mains connection with transformer
Whether onshore or offshore wind turbines, the towers are almost identical. The difference is in the foundation: offshore turbines are anchored to the seabed.
Steel masts offer a great advantage here:
- prefabricated and easy to transport
- quick installation, often within a few days
- shorter construction time than concrete masts
Electric steel: crucial for power generation
Electrical steel is used in the generator and transformer of every wind turbine - a specialty of ArcelorMittal. We work closely with our customers in selecting the right steel for their specific applications.
