1. Wind turbine blades are made of fibreglass and often end up in landfills.
2. Wind turbines have a lifespan of 20-30 years and there are over 329,000 active turbines worldwide.
3. Up to 95% of the materials in a wind turbine can be recycled, with fibreglass blades being a more challenging material to dispose of.
Ageing wind turbines are reaching the end of their lifespan, raising questions about the fate of their components once decommissioned. Wind turbines typically last between 20 and 30 years, with steel being the primary material used for the tower, nacelle, and foundation, comprising a significant portion of the structure. Fibreglass-reinforced polymer is utilized for the lightweight turbine blades, making up a smaller percentage of the turbine’s materials.
When a wind turbine is decommissioned, it must be disconnected from the grid and removed from the site, a process that involves dismantling and removing various components. While steel, aluminium, and copper can be easily recycled, fibreglass blades present a recycling challenge, often ending up in landfills. Alternative methods, such as repurposing blades into fuel for cement factories or filler for road construction, are being explored to address this issue.
As ageing wind turbines continue to be taken out of service, the proper disposal and recycling of their components, particularly fibreglass blades, remain a pressing concern. Innovative solutions, such as repurposing blades for playgrounds or bike sheds, are being considered to minimize the environmental impact of decommissioned wind turbines.