The AIMPLAS initiative involves 14 partners from seven countries and has as its main objective the development of technologies for the dismantling , reuse and recycling of wind turbine blades at the end of their useful life. This effort seeks to increase the circularity of construction materials and reduce the environmental impact derived from their disposal or incineration.
The REWIND project seeks to dismantle wind turbines
Recycling composite materials such as those used in wind turbine blades remains a significant challenge. An estimated 350,000 tonnes of these blades will need to be dismantled in Europe by 2030 , creating an urgent need for sustainable solutions. The European REWIND project , funded by the Horizon Europe programme, addresses this problem by developing advanced methodologies that will enable the recycling of both the fibres and resins that make up these materials.
AIMPLAS , the research centre coordinating the project, is leading the thermal and chemical recycling tasks. Through pyrolysis and catalysis-assisted solvolysis, the time and temperature required to process waste will be reduced. This will allow the most valuable materials to be reused in sectors such as construction and the automotive industry, while the most degraded parts will be recycled to re-manufacture wind blade components.
The REWIND project contributes to the circular economy in the wind energy sector, and opens up new markets for recycled materials. The development of a repair kit and the creation of demonstration parts are some of the expected results, demonstrating the potential of the developed technologies to promote sustainability and efficiency in the renewable energy industry.
This breakthrough will allow the wind sector to achieve greater circularity and long-term sustainability, marking a turning point in the management of industrial waste derived from renewable energy. With the support of partners such as AIMPLAS and companies such as TPI Composites and the Suez Group , this project can become a benchmark for other sectors of the industry.
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Source and photo: AIMPLAS
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