As the wind industry continues to grow to provide renewable energy across the globe, it commits to promoting a circular economy that reduces environmental impacts throughout product lifecycles. Most components of a wind turbine, like the foundation, tower and components in the nacelle have established recycling practices. However, wind turbine blades are more challenging to recycle due to the composite materials used in their production. While various technologies exist to recycle blades, and an increasing number of companies offer composite recycling services, these solutions are not yet widely available and cost-competitive.
The European Waste Framework Directive defines basic concepts related to waste management. It emphasizes the need for increased recycling and highlights the reduced availability of landfills. It also establishes the waste hierarchy: Prevention > Reuse > Repurpose > Recycling > Recovery > Disposal.
Repurposing means re-using an existing part for a different application, usually of lower value than the original. In Aalborg, Denmark, a wind turbine blade was repurposed as a modern bike shed! Amazing, don't you think? 😍
Do you know have any idea for repurposing wind turbine blades in your mind? Let us know in the comments down below! 👀
Source: Research "Accelerating Wind Turbine Blade Circularity", published by Wind Europe.
Source: managingcomposites
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