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.

Recent Posts

Anrealage, E Ink showcase color-changing dresses

Anrealage has incorporated E Ink Prism 3 technology into six dresses presented during its Spring 2027 “SKIN” collection at Paris…

3 days ago

Interloop joins Fashion for Good to scale textile innovations

Interloop has joined Amsterdam-based Fashion for Good as an Innovation Partner to support the development and scaling of next-generation textile…

3 days ago

Lenzing, Kaihara launch REMOD collection with Lyocell fibers

Lenzing Group has partnered with Kaihara Corporation to launch the REMOD Collection, showcasing the versatility of TENCEL Lyocell fibres in…

3 days ago

Recover launches recycled cotton-polyester fiber blend

Recover, a global producer of recycled cotton, has launched RecoverOne, a new range of fibre blends made entirely from recycled…

4 days ago

China introduces fish embryo toxicity test for textile wastewater

China has introduced a biological toxicity requirement for certain textile dyeing and finishing operations under its new wastewater discharge standard.

4 days ago

UNIFI launches yarns for high-performance textile use

UNIFI, the maker of REPREVE recycled yarns, has launched Cofira, a versatile yarn designed to combine characteristics of both filament…

4 days ago