Inspiring the Future: European Energy at Tvindkraft
On October 2nd 2024, as Great Britain closed its last coal-fired power plant, Tvindkraft hosted Birit Buhr, Chief Corrosion Engineer at European Energy, highlighting a shared commitment to renewable energy. This visit, organized by Jens Gjerding—an original Tvindkraft builder and now Chief Engineer at European Energy—bridged Tvindkraft’s historic past with European Energy’s innovative mission.
Birit learned firsthand how Tvindkraft, Denmark’s first major windmill, built in the 1970s by volunteers, continues to operate as a symbol of resilience and community-led energy. In return, we gained insight into how European Energy, founded in 2004, has grown to lead global renewable projects with wind, solar, and Power-to-X technologies. With over 800 employees and a capacity exceeding 4GW, European Energy is propelling the renewable sector forward with a vision rooted in the ideals that Tvindkraft inspired.
European Energy: Shaping the Future
European Energy’s journey from a Danish startup to an international renewable energy powerhouse reflects the global spirit Tvindkraft embodies. Alongside wind and solar installations, the company’s commitment to Power-to-X and battery storage solutions exemplifies its innovative approach. This dedication serves as a powerful reminder of how far renewable energy has advanced—and how Tvindkraft’s ideals still resonate today.
Tvindkraft: Where it All Began
Tvindkraft’s creation was more than an engineering feat; it was a movement. Built by teachers and volunteers, the windmill catalysed Denmark’s shift toward renewables and set a precedent for sharing knowledge openly. Rather than patenting their design, Tvindkraft’s creators freely shared their innovations, setting a model for collaboration still echoed by companies like European Energy.
An Ongoing Legacy
Today, Tvindkraft remains a symbol of energy independence. In a world facing climate and energy challenges, Tvindkraft’s legacy is more relevant than ever. Birit’s visit underscores the enduring impact of this pioneering project on the renewable energy landscape. As European Energy and other trailblazers carry forward this mission, we are proud to share Tvindkraft’s story and vision, inspiring future generations to prioritise sustainable, community-driven solutions.
We look forward to following European Energy’s ambitious journey, carrying the torch of sustainability and innovation into the future—lighting the way for generations to come.
European Energy’s Birit Buhr visits the iconic Tvindkraft wind turbine, exploring the roots of Denmark’s renewable energy revolution.
“I am one lucky woman, having been invited to visit Tvindkraft, an iconic wind turbine, which for 4 years kept the record of being the largest wind turbine in the world, from 1978 and with a capacity of 1MW – and designed, constructed and placed in Denmark in the Western part of Jutland.
Many things impress me, the pioneering, the determination, the innovation, and “just” doing it. One example is that the blades were made using fiber glass, where previous wind turbine blades were made using wood. All the testing, calculations, trials and the success. And mind you, it is in operation and has been for 46 years. Dedication. The persons operating the wind turbine know each and every detail there is to know.
The wind turbine is a landmark with red and white checkered pattern, is that inspired by Tintins space rocket? I love it. I would very much like to thank Tvindkraft for hosting me during my visit, an experience of a lifetime, and Jens B. Gjerding for making this possible, thank you.”
WHAT ELSE
Meet Ana, tour guide
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9 advantages of wind energy
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The history of wind turbine development
Wind power experts Paul Gipe (of Wind-Works) and Erik Möllerström (senior lecturer at the University of Halmstad) have published an excellent review of the fascinating history of wind energy, from the early experimenters to the take-off of the commercial wind turbine industry.
Songs, poetry and art
Tvindkraft and the whole story about the people who built it, has inspired people to write songs, poems, and to produce pieces of art of different kinds.