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The complex end-of-life of wind turbine blades: A review of the European context

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  • Beauson, J.
  • Laurent, A.
  • Rudolph, D.P.
  • Pagh Jensen, J.

Abstract

The recycling of glass fibre thermoset composites in general and of wind turbine blades in particular has been investigated for many years but still remains challenging. In order to provide the reader with an overview of the challenges related to the end-of-life of wind turbine blades, this review first describes the chain of processes taking place when wind turbine blades end their service life. Key elements of this value chain are presented and discussed throughout the review. These include the estimation and prediction of the volume of wind turbine blade waste, the legislation and standards framing the processes of the value chain and the technical processes transforming wind turbine blades into new valuable materials and their applications. The review highlights the need of solutions addressing the entire value chain and ends with discussing the potentials of circular economy and life cycle engineering to facilitate the implementation of sustainable solutions. To provide a holistic picture of the sustainability of these solutions, the mechanisms of social acceptance and technology perception are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Beauson, J. & Laurent, A. & Rudolph, D.P. & Pagh Jensen, J., 2022. "The complex end-of-life of wind turbine blades: A review of the European context," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:155:y:2022:i:c:s136403212101114x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111847
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    Cited by:

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    2. He, Rui & Tian, Zhigang & Wang, Yifei & Zuo, Mingjian & Guo, Ziwei, 2023. "Condition-based maintenance optimization for multi-component systems considering prognostic information and degraded working efficiency," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    3. Ahmed, Faraedoon & Foley, Aoife & Dowds, Carole & Johnston, Barry & Al Kez, Dlzar, 2024. "Assessing the engineering, environmental and economic aspects of repowering onshore wind energy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    4. Spyridoula Karavida & Angeliki Peponi, 2023. "Wind Turbine Blade Waste Circularity Coupled with Urban Regeneration: A Conceptual Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Sandra Bulińska & Agnieszka Sujak & Michał Pyzalski, 2024. "From Waste to Renewables: Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Glass Fibre Composite Products from Wind Turbine Blades for Sustainable Cement Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-23, June.
    6. Chen, Zhiyuan & Wang, Feng & Wang, Tieli & He, Rulin & Hu, Jieli & Li, Li & Luo, Ying & Qin, Yingling & Wang, Dingliang, 2024. "A real options approach to renewable energy module end-of-life decisions under multiple uncertainties: Application to PV and wind in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).

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