Steel specialist Dillinger has successfully completed the research project "High-Performance Plate (HL-Blech)," funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The goal of the project was to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of offshore wind power plants through the use of innovative steel plates.
As part of the project, Dillinger developed new high-strength yet tough steel grades specifically tailored to the requirements of offshore structures. These customized steels enable a reduction in material usage while simultaneously increasing the load-bearing capacity of the foundations. As a result, both the manufacturing costs and installation times of offshore wind turbines can be significantly reduced.
Weldability of new steels
A particular focus was placed on optimizing the weldability of the new steels. Through targeted adjustments to the chemical composition and production process, the weldability has been significantly improved, facilitating the manufacturing of large and complex structures for offshore applications.
Dillinger is working closely with industry and research partners to test and further develop these new steel grades in real-world applications. Initial pilot projects have shown promising results, highlighting the potential of these innovative materials for the future of offshore wind energy.
