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A Review of Research on the Resource Utilization of Pyrolysis of Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades

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  • Zhipeng Ma

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Leying Qu

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Ping Zhou

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Zhanlong Song

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Xiqiang Zhao

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

  • Wenlong Wang

    (National Engineering Laboratory for Reducing Emissions from Coal Combustion, Engineering Research Center of Environmental Thermal Technology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Green Thermal Power and Carbon Reduction, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China)

Abstract

As a large number of wind turbine blades reach the end of their service life, effectively utilizing decommissioned blades has become a major challenge for the wind energy industry. Among existing treatment technologies, pyrolysis is considered the most promising. This paper, based on the Web of Science database, employs bibliometric methods to analyze research trends in this field. The results indicate a significant increase in the number of published papers, with China leading in publication volume and making a substantial contribution to the field’s development. Keyword analysis highlights the central role of pyrolysis technology. Therefore, this paper discusses the application of both conventional and microwave pyrolysis technologies in this field, outlining the advantages, disadvantages, processes, performance, and economic analysis of fiber recovery. Finally, the challenges faced by pyrolysis technology and future development trends are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhipeng Ma & Leying Qu & Ping Zhou & Zhanlong Song & Xiqiang Zhao & Wenlong Wang, 2025. "A Review of Research on the Resource Utilization of Pyrolysis of Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:782-:d:1586112
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Enevoldsen, Peter & Valentine, Scott Victor & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2018. "Insights into wind sites: Critically assessing the innovation, cost, and performance dynamics of global wind energy development," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 1-7.
    2. Ge, Shengbo & Foong, Shin Ying & Ma, Nyuk Ling & Liew, Rock Keey & Wan Mahari, Wan Adibah & Xia, Changlei & Yek, Peter Nai Yuh & Peng, Wanxi & Nam, Wai Lun & Lim, Xin Yi & Liew, Chin Mei & Chong, Chi , 2020. "Vacuum pyrolysis incorporating microwave heating and base mixture modification: An integrated approach to transform biowaste into eco-friendly bioenergy products," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    3. Zhang, Xiaochun & Ma, Chun & Song, Xia & Zhou, Yuyu & Chen, Weiping, 2016. "The impacts of wind technology advancement on future global energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 1033-1037.
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