DecomBlades

Challenge
Today 85 to 95% of a wind turbine can be recycled, but cost-effective recycling of the composite materials in the blades remains a challenge. Worldwide, an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of composite materials are currently in use in wind turbines.

The wind energy industry produces much less composite waste compared to other industries, such as the construction, electronics, transport and shipping industries. Despite this, it is an important focus for the wind energy industry to ensure that there are sustainable recycling solutions for all materials used in a wind turbine. It is a responsibility that becomes greater as the wind energy industry grows.

Solution
The ten partners in the DecomBlades project aim to investigate and develop solutions for recycling the composite material in wind turbine blades. The project focus are three specific processes: mechanical crushing of wind turbine blades making the material  recyclable in different products and processes; use of crushed wing material for cement production; as well as a method of separating composite materials under high temperatures, also known as pyrolysis.

Effects
Sustainable, cost-effective and widely available recycling solutions for composite materials will not only support the wind energy industry, but also other composite manufacturing industries in the transition to a circular economy. The goal for the DecomBlades consortium is to make Denmark a frontrunner in the establishment of the value chains for recycling wind turbine blades that support a circular economy and create jobs both in Denmark and globally within sustainable technologies.

Problem owners
Ørsted
LM Wind Power 
Vestas 
Siemens Gamesa

Problem solvers
FLSmidth
MAKEEN Power
HJHansen Recycling
Syddansk Universitet (SDU)
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)

Read more on the project’s own website here: DecomBlades.dk