Kiel University, Nuebold Yachtbau pioneer renewable rotor blades

A new initiative by Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW Kiel) and boatbuilder Nuebold Yachtbau GmbH aims to develop wind turbine rotor blades made entirely from renewable materials like flax, balsa wood, and paulownia in an effort to replace fiberglass.

Supported by approximately €175,000 in funding from the Schleswig-Holstein Energy and Climate Protection Agency (EKSH), the project targets the development of a prototype for small wind turbines (with rotor areas under 200 square meters) by 2027.

“We want to demonstrate that sustainable rotor blades made from flax fibers and other renewable raw materials can meet all technical requirements and thus make a real contribution to a more sustainable wind energy sector,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sten Böhme, project manager from Kiel University of Applied Sciences.

Using computer simulations, researchers will optimize the blade design and ensure structural integrity before conducting stability and performance tests in the university’s wind tunnel. Upon successful validation, the project will advance to full-scale manufacturing and mandatory bending load testing.