End-of-life wind turbine blades and paths to a circular economy
Peter Deeney, Paul Leahy, Kevin Campbell, Claire Ducourtieux, Gerard Mullally, Niall Dunphy
Abstract
A structured literature review is used to identify barriers to the recommended methods of processing end-of-life wind turbine blades. The Waste Management Hierarchy recommends firstly avoidance, then repurposing, recycling, energy recovery and lastly, disposal. The review finds that most recent research articles are concerned with recycling, despite its position in third place in the Hierarchy. The review also identifies the following barriers to the first, second and third most recommended processes: misalignment of financial rewards for blade manufacturers making more durable blades; lack of information about blades which could help repurposing and recycling; and lack of financial incentives for any of the top three methods. Based on these findings the following solutions are proposed: alternative payment structures for blade ownership incentivising blade quality and longevity; an information exchange to facilitate the second hand market, repurposing and recycling; and the widespread use of compliance bonds to provide a financial incentive for repurposing and recycling. • Tonnes of onshore and offshore wind turbine blades will soon reach their end-of-life • Need to align practice and research emphasis with the EPA Waste Management Hierarchy • A structured literature review emphasises recycling, not avoidance or repurposing • Pay-per-use can assign responsibility and risk to its proper owners • Compliance/Assurance bonds reward circularity and help community ownership