Germany – Siemens Gamesa’s world-first recyclable rotor blades will be installed and tested this summer at RWE’s Kaskasi wind farm in the German North Sea.
Siemens Gamesa’s production facility in Hull, UK, is currently producing RecyclableBlade. According to current plans, the project will begin producing energy in 2022.
End of lifecycle recycling
Many wind turbine components, such as the tower and nacelle, have established recycling practices. Composite materials used in wind turbine blades have previously been more difficult to recycle. The Siemens Gamesa RecyclableBlade is the first of its kind, allowing for recycling at the end of its lifecycle and paving the way for a future in which project recyclability will be a market requirement.
After the rotor blade’s 25-year lifespan has expired, a new type of resin allows the fibres to be separated and reused. They can be used in a variety of industries, including automotive and consumer goods.
“We can’t wait to see the first RecyclableBlades spinning on our SG 8.0-167 DD turbines in the German North Sea,” Siemens Gamesa said via social media.
