Wind turbine recycling

Wind turbines can be largely recycled, as 96 percent of the wind turbine is reusable except for the blades. They are made from a mix of fibers and plastics that are difficult to separate. Possible future solutions include chemical or mechanical recycling. Until now, most blades are processed into items such as climbing towers and slides in playgrounds, benches in parks, planters, or noise barriers along highways.

• The largest part of a wind turbine can be recycled, only the blades not yet
• Research focuses on chemical and mechanical recycling techniques and more sustainable materials for the blades
• Circular design is essential to make future wind turbines fully reusable

For every wind turbine, the manufacturer issues a type certificate with the expected safe service life, usually twenty years. When this period ends, Eneco checks by means of a detailed study whether the wind farm can continue to operate, a process called lifetime extension. If this is not possible, Eneco investigates whether the wind turbine can be given a second life, for example, in other countries. If that also fails, Eneco will dismantle the wind turbines and in some cases, parts can be reused, such as spare parts for other wind turbines. The rest goes into the recycling process.

• Steel towers, foundations and generators are mostly recyclable
  Most parts of a wind turbine, about 96 percent excluding the blades, can be recycled. The towers are made of steel and the foundations of concrete with reinforcing steel. Generators and other metals are also suitable for reuse. By recycling wind turbines, they provide raw materials for new products.


• Other waste in wind turbine recycling
  During the processing of components such as the tower, foundation and generator, a small amount of waste is generated, such as cable sheaths, oil and SF6 gas. SF6 gas prevents short circuits in the wind turbine's switchgear. Since SF6 gas is harmful to the climate, it is important to dispose of this residual waste properly.


• Reuse ideas sometimes come from unexpected sources
  Ideas for reuse can come from unexpected places. During the dismantling of Herkingen wind farm by Eneco, the farmer who owns the surrounding land asked if the lower part of the turbine mast and its foundations could remain in place. He wanted to use them as freshwater buffers for irrigating his fields. The municipality was enthusiastic about his idea, and he is now working on obtaining all the necessary permits. In this way, the lower parts of the turbine mast are reused in an original and meaningful way.

The blades are the biggest challenge. They are made from composite materials, a mix of fibers and plastics. These materials are strong and light. The components are glued together, which makes it hard to recover the fibers. This is why recycling the blades completely is difficult.

• Solutions and limitations in wind turbine recycling
  Currently, there are few options for discarded blades. Landfilling is possible, but this is harmful to the environment, so Eneco does not choose this option. Incineration is also possible, it releases energy, but the materials are lost. Eneco never sends discarded blades to landfill or incineration.


• More sustainable solutions, from slides to railway sleepers
  Reusing blades is a more sustainable solution. For example, they can become noise barriers, slides, benches or planters. Parts of five Eneco wind turbines that stood along the A15 have been used as raw material for railway sleepers.


• Innovative reuse solutions
  Blade Made, a company in Rotterdam, searches for innovative ways to reuse the blades. For instance, in July 2025, a noise barrier made from wind turbine blades will be completed along the A58 near Oirschot. The blades are also suitable for making climbing towers and slides. In Rotterdam and Terneuzen, playgrounds contain equipment made from parts of wind turbine blades. Sawn blades can also be used as planters.


• Not suitable for large quantities
  Unfortunately, this way of reuse is not suitable for large numbers of wind turbine blades. Therefore, it is not a long-term solution for recycling wind turbine blades.

A lot of research is being done into new ways to better recycle wind turbine blades.

1. Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling is promising. In this process, the plastic is broken down to recover the fibers. Researchers are working to make this process more efficient and environmentally friendly. Because the quality of the fibers after recycling is slightly lower than that of the original fibers, they cannot be reused as composite for wind turbine blades. However, they are useful as reinforcement in composites for the automotive industry or as building materials. They can also be used as fillers in concrete, asphalt or plastics.

2. Mechanical recycling
In mechanical recycling, the blades are broken or cut into small pieces and the materials separated. The end product contains shorter fibers and is mixed with resin, so the recycled material is mainly suitable as filler. The material can be used in cement production, where the minerals from the glass fiber serve as a filler and the resin as fuel in the production process. The recycled product can also replace some of the sand or gravel in concrete or asphalt.

3. Biobased composites
Another important development is the research into the use of biobased composites in wind turbine blade production. These are materials made entirely or partly of natural raw materials, such as plants. By using more sustainable materials, the blades could be easier to recycle at the end of the turbine's lifespan than current materials.

• Strength and stiffness are a challenge
  Natural fibers such as flax, hemp or wood are potential solutions. In the future, they could replace or supplement glass fiber. Currently, strength and stiffness are still a challenge, especially for the large blades of modern wind turbines. As a result, these fibers are not yet commonly used in wind turbine blades.
  
• Special glue, biobased, easy to break down and reusable
  At the end of 2023, researchers in the United States developed a biobased adhesive suitable for the production process of wind turbines and blades. The glue, made from bio waste, is easy to break down and reusable, without much energy use or harmful substances. This will make wind turbine recycling simpler.