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A Holistic and Circular Approach for Managing End-of-Service Wind Turbine Blades

Author

Listed:
  • Alann André

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Thomas Bru

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Abdul Ghafoor Abbasi

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Sugandh Sinha

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Stephanie Nunes

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Magdalena Juntikka

    (RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, 431 53 Mölndal, Sweden)

  • Karolina Kazmierczak

    (Chalmers Industriteknik, 412 58 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Nils Ólafur Egilsson

    (Chalmers Industriteknik, 412 58 Göteborg, Sweden)

  • Gustav Frid

    (Vattenfall Business Area Wind, 169 92 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Marcin Sobczyk

    (ANMET, Street Przemyslowa 12, 67-300 Wiechlice, Poland)

  • Reza Haghani

    (HiFIT High Frequency Impact Treatment USA, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA)

Abstract

This paper aims to define the challenges and requirements necessary for the holistic management of wind turbine blades at the end of their service (EoS). Conducted within the Swedish research project Circublade, this study focuses on Sweden, although many challenges and findings are applicable to other countries. Various alternatives for managing EoS wind turbine blades exist at different levels of market maturity, but this paper specifically focuses on repurposing the blades into new products. The development of three concept designs—short-span pedestrian bridges, façade elements for building applications, and noise barriers for roads and railways—has been explored, along with aspects related to material sourcing, logistics, and implementation. For material sourcing, a digital platform containing blade data and tools to facilitate repurposing has been developed. An environmental evaluation of the different concepts highlights the significant impact of transportation on the overall environmental footprint, underscoring the necessity of a holistic approach to managing EoS blades.

Suggested Citation

  • Alann André & Thomas Bru & Abdul Ghafoor Abbasi & Sugandh Sinha & Stephanie Nunes & Magdalena Juntikka & Karolina Kazmierczak & Nils Ólafur Egilsson & Gustav Frid & Marcin Sobczyk & Reza Haghani, 2024. "A Holistic and Circular Approach for Managing End-of-Service Wind Turbine Blades," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7858-:d:1474436
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kieran Ruane & Marios Soutsos & An Huynh & Zoe Zhang & Angela Nagle & Kenny McDonald & T Russell Gentry & Paul Leahy & Lawrence C. Bank, 2023. "Construction and Cost Analysis of BladeBridges Made from Decommissioned FRP Wind Turbine Blades," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
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    1. Emma L. Delaney & Paul G. Leahy & Jennifer M. McKinley & T. Russell Gentry & Angela J. Nagle & Jeffrey Elberling & Lawrence C. Bank, 2023. "Sustainability Implications of Current Approaches to End-of-Life of Wind Turbine Blades—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.

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