Solutions for recycling emerging wind turbine blade waste in China are not yet effective

Abstract

Wind power supply chains are evolving as markets expand to reach climate goals. With the largest installed wind power capacity globally, China must deal with increasing composite turbine waste and anticipate its associated costs. Here we predict the quantity and composition of wind turbine blade waste based on historic deployment. A high-resolution database containing 14 turbine capacities (150–5500 kilowatts) was compiled based on 104 turbine models. The environmental and financial costs of waste treatment options were evaluated using a bottom-up approach. Based on current installations and future projections, 7.7 to 23.1 million tonnes of blade waste will be generated in China by 2050. Technologies exist to recycle glass fibre from blade waste, but these solutions vary in level of maturity and are not always commercially available, cost-competitive, or environmentally sustainable. Our findings can inform decision-makers in governments and industry on the pathways to carbon neutrality.

Glass Fibre Composites Recycling Using the Fluidised Bed: A Comparative Study into the Carbon Footprint in the UK

“…This work has shown, however, that while using GRP as feedstock in EfW facilities can reduce landfill burden, this results in significantly higher GWP than simply landfilling. This has also been shown to be the case in North America [13] and China [14]. Given the UK (and other global) commitments to Net Zero 2050, incinerating GRP waste for energy alone must also be avoided.…”

“…Extensive research has been recently devoted to the development of composite recycling techniques, which have led to various recycling strategies, each at different Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). In recent years these technologies have been widely reviewed in terms of the methods under development [6,7], TRL [8], recovered material properties [9,10], ongoing challenges [11], optimisation pathways [12], and environmental impacts [13,14].…”

“…Yang et al assessed the environmental and financial costs associated with various waste treatment methods for wind turbine blade waste in China [13]. Both conventional approaches, such as landfill and incineration, as well as contemporary handling and recycling technologies like fluidised bed, pyrolysis, and mechanical and chemical recycling, were considered.…”

Critical material supply sustainability for wind turbine deployment towards 2050

“…However, despite the potential for upscaling, the process remains energy-intensive, and the utilization of rare and scarce ruthenium as a catalyst makes the process expensive. A study addressing different methods for recycling WTBs in China─ the global leader in production and installed wind power capacity, highlights the importance of promoting recycling technologies, particularly focusing to extract the maximum value from fibers at a low cost 21 . Additionally, it was found that the optimal management of WTBs and its associated environmental impacts exhibit variation at the regional level, primarily influenced by the characteristics of local energy systems.…”

“…Additionally, it was found that the optimal management of WTBs and its associated environmental impacts exhibit variation at the regional level, primarily influenced by the characteristics of local energy systems. Paradoxically, it was found that employing mechanical recycling followed by landfill disposal of residual materials in WTBs yields the lowest GHG emission impact among all recycling processes; however, the current regulations in China prohibit the disposal of solid waste through this method 21 . This underscores the importance of examining regional dynamics beyond the national level and underscores the need to review existing policies when crafting strategies for EoL wind turbines.…”