Wind turbine blade end-of-life options: An economic comparison

Global wind energy is developing rapidly, with total installed capacity having increased from 24,332 MW in 2001 to 650,758 2019. Environmental concerns have been raised over the large volumes of waste that will be generated as these turbine blades are decommissioned coming decades. Although turbines largely clean during operation, manufacture and end-of-life stages they release emissions consume significant energy. Wind mainly made lightweight thermoset composites (glass fibre/carbon fibre), which economically challenging recycle. This study aims understand economic feasibilities recycling technology options for blade management. We used a quantitative method, first building financial performance model end life, then evaluating comparing all available life options, finally performing sensitivity analysis. found mechanical fluidised-bed optimal ready-to-go technologies, chemical option technologies currently only at lab scale.