Can wind turbines be recycled?
Vestas wind turbines are currently 85% recyclable. In our efforts to achieve zero-waste wind turbines by 2040, we’re investigating new recycling pathways for difficult-to-recycle materials.
While some turbine components pose greater recycling challenges, manufacturers and developers worldwide are dedicated to the safe and responsible disposal of wind turbines at the end of their lifecycle.
The timeline of a wind turbine
Wind turbines are designed to provide reliable energy for approximately 30 years before turbines can be safely removed and newer, more efficient machines installed.
Before construction, and together with the wind farm owner, we create a plan to safely and sustainably decommission wind turbines and related infrastructure at the end of the wind project’s life. Ultimately, it is our customers, the wind farm owners, that then have the responsibility for final decommissioning. Decommissioning starts 18-24 months before operations end and is completed within 12-24 months. At the end of their lifecycle, the different components of a wind turbine can, depending on the component and condition, either be sold second-hand, refurbished, reused, recycled, or disposed of in landfills.
While some turbine components may still end up in landfills, studies reveal minimal environmental impact. [1] There are misconceptions that wind turbine blades negatively impact the environment due to PFAS, a class of persistent chemicals widely used in industrial and domestic applications, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals.’
However, a 2023 report by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency found no evidence linking wind turbine blades to significant PFAS pollution. In fact, the study revealed that the measured concentrations of PFAS from wind turbine blades in landfill are very low. [2]
Vestas’ path to zero-waste turbines
Currently, Vestas’ turbines are 85% recyclable. That means at least 85% of the weight of the turbine can be fully recycled or re-used. The remaining challenge lies largely in the recycling of wind turbine blades. These components contain composites that are composed of mainly epoxy resin and glass fibre. We aim to increase blade recyclability to 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030, exploring new recycling technologies and establishing decommissioning guidelines.
To achieve a zero-waste wind turbine, Vestas launched a Circularity Roadmap in October 2021, setting targets across design, operations, and material recovery.
One of our four sustainability goals is to produce zero-waste turbines by 2040.
Blade circularity
A breakthrough in the CETEC project has led to a chemical process that enables circularity for epoxy-infused turbine blades, without requiring any alterations to their design or material composition. This innovation enables circular blade recycling and eliminates the need for redesign.
In collaboration with industrial partners, we’re now focusing on scaling this novel chemical disassembly process into a commercially viable solution. Once fully developed, this advancement will pave the way for a circular economy for epoxy-infused turbine blades.
1-2 https://mst.dk/publikationer/2023/april/screeningsundersoegelse-af-udvaskning-fra-vindmoellevinger