Turbine blades have previously been challenging to recycle due to the chemical properties of epoxy resin, a resilient substance that was believed to be impossible to break down into re-usable components. This has led to many technology leaders attempting to replace or modify epoxy resin with alternatives that can be more easily treated.
Vestas’ solution is enabled by a novel chemical process that can chemically break down epoxy resin into virgin-grade materials. The chemical process was developed in collaboration with Aarhus University, Danish Technological Institute, and Olin – the partners of the CETEC project, a coalition of industry and academia established to investigate circular technology for turbine blades.
With +160 GW of wind turbines installed in 88 countries, Vestas’ sustainable energy solutions have already prevented 1.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ being emitted into the atmosphere and contributed to a more sustainable energy system.
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Article source, photos & video: vestas.com