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RWE Secures Foundation Agreement with Steelwind for Upcoming Offshore Wind Farms

RWE signed an agreement with Steelwind Nordenham to produce up to 300 monopile foundations for future offshore wind projects.
Steelwind Nordenham RWE

RWE has signed a capacity reservation agreement with German company Steelwind Nordenham for the production of up to 300 monopile foundations for its future offshore wind projects in Europe.

Steelwind will reserve capacity at its Nordenham facility for 320,000 tonnes of steel, equating to approximately 200 monopiles, over a 24-month period starting in 2027.

The contract includes an option for a twelve-month extension and offers additional capacity of 160,000 tonnes of steel, enough for about 100 monopiles.

The monopiles are planned for offshore wind farms that RWE expects to commission in Europe from the end of 2029. The agreement also allows RWE to opt for additional services from Steelwind, such as secondary steel structure delivery and storage and marshalling support.

“By signing an agreement with Steelwind, RWE has taken a big step towards securing the necessary production capacity for monopile foundations and delivering our European offshore wind development projects. This type of framework agreement is exactly what we need given the challenging market conditions,” said Holger Himmel, CFO of RWE Offshore Wind.

Steelwind has been manufacturing monopiles and single-piece foundations with unit weights up to 2,400 tonnes for offshore wind farms since 2014. The steel for these monopile foundations is supplied by Dillinger.

RWE has put 19 offshore wind farms into operation over the past 20 years, including six off the German coast. The company aims to triple its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW to 10 GW by 2030.

In other news, RWE recently signed a Letter of Support with the Port Authority of Setúbal to explore the potential of the port, located south of Lisboa, to become an important industrial hub for marshalling, assembly, and deployment of components for large-scale floating offshore wind projects.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024