The demand for ever-larger wind turbines and, consequently, for sturdier foundations is a major headache for foundation specialist Sif. In its trading update for the first quarter, the company reported that it has started an investigation into the consequences of the growing demand for larger piles on its production facilities.

Sif still has a filled order book until at least 2023. The company also wants to get involved in new projects in European, American and Asian countries, most of which involve wind turbines of 13 to 15 MW. A single 15-MW turbine could meet the energy requirements of 20,000 households.

According to Sif, the foundations of these piles have a diameter of over 9 metres with lengths of up to 100 metres. The question is to what extent Sif’s production sites can meet this demand. More should be known about this later this year.

In the first quarter of the year, Sif mainly produced monopiles for the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm. In total, 44 kilotonnes of piles were produced, generating EUR 27.1 million in revenues, or EUR 616 per tonne. The year before, this was EUR 594 per tonne for a total of EUR 20.8 million. Sif emphasises that the amount of revenue per quarter can vary greatly depending on the progress and degree of completion of projects.

Source: ANP