The Nordex Group
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released an encouraging new report revealing that 90% of wind turbine materials are already being recycled using existing infrastructure, but addressing the remaining 10% needs to be developed.
That's why the Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated more than $20 million to develop technologies that address these challenges.
Why is this important?
The wind power industry is growing rapidly, but questions about what happens to turbines at the end of their life are important. Renewable wind turbines mean not only less waste but also an affordable and sustainable energy future.
According to Jeff Marootian, deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “The US already has the ability to recycle most of the wind turbine materials, so achieving a fully sustainable domestic wind energy industry is very close to attainable.”
The report, titled, “Recycling Wind Energy Systems in the United States Part 1: Laying the Groundwork for America's Wind Energy Recycling Infrastructure for Wind Turbines and Systems,” identifies short-, medium-, and long-term research, development, and demonstrations. important in the life cycle of wind turbines. Developed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with support from Oak Ridge and Sandia National Laboratories, the findings are intended to guide future investment and technological innovation.
What is easily recycled and what is not
Most of the wind turbine – towers, foundations, and steel-based drivetrain components – are easy to recycle. However, parts such as blades, generators, and nacelle covers are tough to work with.
Blades, for example, are typically made from hard-to-recycle materials like thermoset resins, but switching to recyclable thermoplastics could be a game-changer. Innovations such as chemical dissolution and pyrolysis may make blade recycling more efficient in the near future.
Important elements such as nickel, cobalt, and zinc used in generators and electric power are critical to recovery.
Key strategies for a circular economy
To make the wind energy sector fully sustainable, the DOE report emphasizes the adoption of measures such as:
- Better withdrawal procedures – Improving the way turbine waste is collected and sorted at the end of its life cycle.
- Strategic recycling sites – Locating recycling facilities near where the turbines are disconnected to reduce costs and carbon.
- Advanced exchange – Using recyclable and affordable materials in production.
- Organized asset acquisition – Developing ways to make recycled materials used in secondary life applications.
Looking ahead
The DOE study also emphasizes the importance of regional factors, such as the availability of skilled labor and transportation infrastructure, in building a cost-effective renewable infrastructure. As the US continues to expand its wind energy capacity, these findings provide guidance for reducing waste and increasing sustainability.
More information about the $20 million in funding available through the Wind Turbine Technology Refinancing Opportunity can be found here. The deadline to enter is February 11.
Read more: California's grid has operated at 100% renewables with no outages or cost increases for a record 98 days
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