Talking Timber Journal February 2026.pdf
Martin Ansell discusses the application of wood in the construction of modern wind turbines and the environmental advantages of selecting wood
Modern multi-megawatt wind turbines are mostly horizontal axis machines with the generator set mounted on a steel tower. The aerofoil turbine blades are usually manufactured from glass- or carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP or CFRP) with the rotor hub connected horizontally to the generator. Wind speeds increase with height above the ground and the power generated is proportional to the swept area of the blades. Hence, tall towers and long blades maximise power output.