A Swedish start-up called Modvion has recently constructed the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine tower, marking a significant milestone in the use of wood for wind power. The tower stands at 150 meters (492 feet) and has a 2 megawatt generator on top, supplying electricity to around 400 homes. The company believes that using wood for wind turbines has great potential due to its lighter weight compared to steel, allowing for the construction of taller turbines with less material.

Steel has been the primary material used for turbine towers, but it has limitations, especially for onshore projects. As turbines have become taller and larger, the steel towers supporting them have had to increase in diameter, posing challenges for transportation. In contrast, wooden towers can be built in smaller, modular sections, making them easier to transport and assemble. Modvion’s tower is made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which provides strength and flexibility. The company’s goal is to build even taller wooden turbines in the future.

The exterior of the wooden turbine is similar to its steel counterparts, with a white coating and fiberglass blades attached to a generator. However, the interior reveals the unique features of the wooden tower, with curved raw wood walls resembling a sauna. The tower’s strength comes from the layers of LVL, which have been glued and compressed together. Modvion believes that wood and glue are a perfect combination, allowing for the construction of taller turbines with less material.

While some experts see the modular system of wooden towers as an advantage, others believe that it may require more resources and time for installation compared to steel towers. Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest turbine manufacturers, considers wooden towers as a complement to steel towers and focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of the steel it uses. However, Modvion claims that using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines entirely, as the trees absorb carbon dioxide while alive and store it in the wood.

Modvion’s wooden turbine tower has attracted the attention of renewable energy giant Vestas, which sees tremendous potential in taller turbines and considers wooden towers well-suited to play a role. The use of wood instead of steel not only addresses transportation challenges but also offers a sustainable solution, as it eliminates the carbon emissions associated with steel production. SSE Renewables, one of the UK’s largest wind power producers, is also exploring wooden towers as an alternative to steel.

Modvion plans to build even taller wooden turbines in the future and aims to open a facility producing 100 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027. The company envisions that in 10 years, 10% of the 20,000 turbines installed annually will be wooden. This advancement in wooden wind turbine technology could contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for renewable energy.

Original news source: World’s tallest wooden wind turbine starts turning (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades

Instructions: Divide the class into teams. Give each team a set of vocabulary words related to the article (e.g. wind turbine, wooden tower, steel, renewable energy). One member from each team will act out the word without speaking, while their team tries to guess the word. The team that guesses the most words correctly wins.

– News Summary

Instructions: Have students work in pairs. Each pair will read the article and then write a concise summary of the main points. They can take turns sharing their summaries with the class, and the class can discuss any differences or additional insights they have.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article (e.g. “Using wood for wind turbines is a more sustainable option than using steel”). Have students move around the room and find a partner. Each pair will discuss the statement and share their opinions. After a few minutes, have students find a new partner and discuss a different statement. Repeat this process several times to allow students to discuss multiple statements.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions: Give each student a vocabulary word from the article. Without using any words, they must draw a picture to represent the word. The rest of the class will try to guess the word based on the drawing. This activity helps students practice vocabulary recall and visual communication skills.

– Think-Pair-Share

Instructions: Write the following question on the board: “Do you think using wood for wind turbines is a viable alternative to using steel? Why or why not?” Give students a few minutes to think about their response. Then, have them pair up with a partner and share their thoughts. After discussing with their partner, each student will share their opinion with the class. Encourage students to support their opinions with evidence from the article.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the height of Modvion’s wooden wind turbine tower?
2. How many homes can the 2 megawatt generator on top of the tower supply electricity to?
3. What are the advantages of using wood for wind turbines compared to steel?
4. What is the primary material used for turbine towers?
5. How are wooden towers different from steel towers in terms of transportation and assembly?
6. What is the unique feature of the interior of Modvion’s wooden tower?
7. How do some experts view the modular system of wooden towers compared to steel towers?
8. What are some renewable energy companies that are exploring the use of wooden towers?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A Swedish start-up called Modvion has recently constructed the world’s tallest wooden wind (1)______ tower, marking a significant (2)______ in the use of wood for wind power. The tower stands at 150 meters (492 feet) and has a 2 megawatt generator on top, supplying electricity to around 400 homes. The company believes that using wood for wind turbines has great potential due to its lighter weight compared to steel, allowing for the construction of (3)______ turbines with less material.

Steel has been the primary material used for turbine towers, but it has limitations, especially for onshore (4)______. As turbines have become taller and larger, the steel towers supporting them have had to increase in diameter, posing challenges for transportation. In contrast, wooden towers can be built in smaller, modular sections, making them easier to transport and assemble. Modvion’s tower is made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which provides strength and flexibility. The company’s goal is to build even taller wooden turbines in the future.

The exterior of the wooden turbine is (5)______ to its steel counterparts, with a white coating and fiberglass blades attached to a (6)______. However, the interior reveals the unique features of the wooden tower, with curved raw wood walls resembling a sauna. The tower’s strength (7)______ from the layers of LVL, which have been (8)______ and compressed together. Modvion believes that wood and glue are a perfect combination, allowing for the construction of taller turbines with less (9)______.

While some experts see the modular system of wooden towers as an advantage, others believe that it may require more resources and time for (10)______ compared to steel towers. Siemens Gamesa, one of the world’s largest turbine manufacturers, considers wooden towers as a complement to steel towers and focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of the steel it uses. However, Modvion claims that using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines entirely, as the trees (11)______ carbon dioxide while (12)______ and store it in the wood.

Modvion’s wooden turbine tower has attracted the attention of renewable energy giant Vestas, which sees tremendous potential in taller turbines and considers (13)______ towers well-suited to play a role. The use of wood instead of steel not only addresses transportation challenges but also offers a sustainable solution, as it eliminates the carbon emissions (14)______ with steel production. SSE Renewables, one of the UK’s largest wind power producers, is also exploring wooden towers as an alternative to steel.

Modvion plans to build even taller wooden turbines in the (15)______ and aims to open a (16)______ producing 100 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027. The company envisions that in 10 years, 10% of the 20,000 turbines installed annually will be wooden. This advancement in wooden wind turbine technology could contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for renewable energy.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on using wood for wind turbine towers instead of steel? Why?
2. How would you feel if your country started using wooden wind turbine towers instead of steel ones? Why?
3. Do you think using wood for wind turbines is a more sustainable solution? Why or why not?
4. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using wooden towers for wind turbines?
5. Have you ever seen a wind turbine in person? If so, what material was it made of? How did it make you feel?
6. Do you think wooden wind turbine towers will become more popular in the future? Why or why not?
7. What are some other ways that renewable energy can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future?
8. How do you think the use of wooden wind turbine towers will impact the renewable energy industry?
9. Have you ever thought about the materials that are used to construct wind turbines? Why or why not?
10. What is the role of wind power in your country’s energy production? Do you think wooden wind turbine towers could change that?
11. How do you think the use of wooden wind turbine towers could impact the transportation industry?
12. Do you think the use of wood for wind turbines could inspire other industries to find sustainable alternatives to traditional materials? Why or why not?
13. What are some potential challenges that could arise from using wooden wind turbine towers?
14. Do you think the benefits of using wood for wind turbines outweigh the potential drawbacks? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the use of wooden wind turbine towers could impact the perception of renewable energy in society?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. milestone
2. potential
3. modular
4. limitations
5. diameter
6. assemble
7. laminated
8. flexibility
9. counterparts
10. fiberglass
11. compressed
12. carbon footprint
13. renewable
14. sustainable
15. envision

Meanings:
(A) The ability to bend or be pliable without breaking
(B) To imagine or expect that something will happen in the future
(C) A material consisting of extremely fine fibers of glass and used in a variety of applications
(D) Restrictions or constraints that limit effectiveness
(E) Pressed into a smaller volume or space under pressure
(F) Capable of being replenished naturally and used without being completely used up or destroyed
(G) A significant point in the development or progress of something
(H) The capacity to develop, improve, or be used in the future
(I) To bring together or put into order for use or action
(J) Coated or bonded with layers of material to increase strength
(K) The length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference
(L) Composed of standardized units or sections for easy construction or flexible arrangement
(M) Things that are similar or equivalent to others in status or function
(N) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources or causing severe ecological damage
(O) The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the primary advantage of using wood for wind turbine towers?
(a) Lighter weight compared to steel
(b) More durable than steel
(c) Cheaper to produce than steel
(d) Easier to transport than steel

2. What material is Modvion’s wooden turbine tower made of?
(a) Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
(b) Fiberglass
(c) Steel
(d) Concrete

3. What is the main challenge with using steel for turbine towers?
(a) Limited availability of steel resources
(b) Higher carbon emissions associated with steel production
(c) Lack of durability compared to wood
(d) Increasing transportation difficulties as towers become taller

4. How does Modvion’s modular system of wooden towers differ from steel towers?
(a) Steel towers are easier to transport and assemble
(b) Wooden towers require less time and resources for installation
(c) Wooden towers can be built in smaller, modular sections
(d) Steel towers are more flexible and lightweight

5. What is the unique feature of the interior of Modvion’s wooden turbine tower?
(a) Steel walls with a white coating
(b) Fiberglass walls with a white coating
(c) Curved raw wood walls resembling a sauna
(d) Concrete walls with a white coating

6. How does Modvion claim that using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines?
(a) Wood is a renewable resource, unlike steel
(b) Trees absorb carbon dioxide while alive and store it in the wood
(c) Wood has a lower carbon emission during production than steel
(d) Wood is more energy-efficient to produce than steel

7. Which renewable energy giant sees potential in taller wooden turbines and considers wooden towers well-suited to play a role?
(a) Siemens Gamesa
(b) Vestas
(c) SSE Renewables
(d) Modvion

8. What is Modvion’s goal for the future?
(a) To produce 100 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027
(b) To have 10% of the 20,000 turbines installed annually be wooden in 10 years
(c) All of the above
(d) To build even taller wooden turbines

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The tower stands at 150 meters (492 feet) and has a 2 megawatt generator on top.
2. Modvion’s tower is not made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), providing strength and flexibility.
3. Modvion, a Swedish start-up, has not constructed the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine tower.
4. Steel has been the primary material used for turbine towers, but it has limitations for onshore projects.
5. Using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines, as trees absorb carbon dioxide while alive and store it in the wood.
6. Wooden towers cannot be built in smaller, modular sections, making them more difficult to transport and assemble.
7. Modvion has no plans to build even taller wooden turbines in the future and aims to open a facility producing 50 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027.
8. Using wood for wind turbines has potential due to its lighter weight compared to steel.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the main advantage of using wood for wind turbine towers compared to steel?
2. How does the use of wood instead of steel address transportation challenges for wind turbine towers?
3. What is the unique feature of the interior of Modvion’s wooden turbine tower?
4. What are some concerns raised by experts regarding the use of wooden towers for wind turbines?
5. What are the potential environmental benefits of using wood instead of steel for wind turbine towers?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the height of Modvion’s wooden wind turbine tower?
The tower stands at 150 meters (492 feet).

2. How many homes can the 2 megawatt generator on top of the tower supply electricity to?
The 2 megawatt generator can supply electricity to around 400 homes.

3. What are the advantages of using wood for wind turbines compared to steel?
Wood is lighter than steel, allowing for the construction of taller turbines with less material. Wooden towers can also be built in smaller, modular sections, making them easier to transport and assemble.

4. What is the primary material used for turbine towers?
Steel has been the primary material used for turbine towers.

5. How are wooden towers different from steel towers in terms of transportation and assembly?
Wooden towers can be built in smaller, modular sections, making them easier to transport and assemble. In contrast, steel towers have to increase in diameter as turbines become taller and larger, posing challenges for transportation.

6. What is the unique feature of the interior of Modvion’s wooden tower?
The interior of Modvion’s wooden tower has curved raw wood walls resembling a sauna.

7. How do some experts view the modular system of wooden towers compared to steel towers?
Some experts see the modular system of wooden towers as an advantage, while others believe it may require more resources and time for installation compared to steel towers.

8. What are some renewable energy companies that are exploring the use of wooden towers?
Renewable energy companies such as Vestas and SSE Renewables are exploring the use of wooden towers.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) turbine
(2) milestone
(3) taller
(4) projects
(5) similar
(6) generator
(7) comes
(8) glued
(9) material
(10) installation
(11) absorb
(12) alive
(13) wooden
(14) associated
(15) future
(16) facility
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. milestone
Answer: (G) A significant point in the development or progress of something

2. potential
Answer: (H) The capacity to develop, improve, or be used in the future

3. modular
Answer: (L) Composed of standardized units or sections for easy construction or flexible arrangement

4. limitations
Answer: (D) Restrictions or constraints that limit effectiveness

5. diameter
Answer: (K) The length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference

6. assemble
Answer: (I) To bring together or put into order for use or action

7. laminated
Answer: (J) Coated or bonded with layers of material to increase strength

8. flexibility
Answer: (A) The ability to bend or be pliable without breaking

9. counterparts
Answer: (M) Things that are similar or equivalent to others in status or function

10. fiberglass
Answer: (C) A material consisting of extremely fine fibers of glass and used in a variety of applications

11. compressed
Answer: (E) Pressed into a smaller volume or space under pressure

12. carbon footprint
Answer: (O) The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities

13. renewable
Answer: (F) Capable of being replenished naturally and used without being completely used up or destroyed

14. sustainable
Answer: (N) Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources or causing severe ecological damage

15. envision
Answer: (B) To imagine or expect that something will happen in the future
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the primary advantage of using wood for wind turbine towers?
Answer: (a) Lighter weight compared to steel

2. What material is Modvion’s wooden turbine tower made of?
Answer: (a) Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

3. What is the main challenge with using steel for turbine towers?
Answer: (d) Increasing transportation difficulties as towers become taller

4. How does Modvion’s modular system of wooden towers differ from steel towers?
Answer: (c) Wooden towers can be built in smaller, modular sections

5. What is the unique feature of the interior of Modvion’s wooden turbine tower?
Answer: (c) Curved raw wood walls resembling a sauna

6. How does Modvion claim that using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines?
Answer: (b) Trees absorb carbon dioxide while alive and store it in the wood

7. Which renewable energy giant sees potential in taller wooden turbines and considers wooden towers well-suited to play a role?
Answer: (b) Vestas

8. What is Modvion’s goal for the future?
Answer: (d) To build even taller wooden turbines
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The tower stands at 150 meters (492 feet) and has a 2 megawatt generator on top. (Answer: True)
2. Modvion’s tower is not made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), providing strength and flexibility. (Answer: False)
3. Modvion, a Swedish start-up, has not constructed the world’s tallest wooden wind turbine tower. (Answer: False)
4. Steel has been the primary material used for turbine towers, but it has limitations for onshore projects. (Answer: True)
5. Using wood instead of steel eliminates the carbon footprint of wind turbines, as trees absorb carbon dioxide while alive and store it in the wood. (Answer: True)
6. Wooden towers cannot be built in smaller, modular sections, making them more difficult to transport and assemble. (Answer: False)
7. Modvion has no plans to build even taller wooden turbines in the future and aims to open a facility producing 50 wooden modular turbines per year by 2027. (Answer: False)
8. Using wood for wind turbines has potential due to its lighter weight compared to steel. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧