How to Recycle Old Wind Turbine Blades?

A new material for wind blades that can be recycled could transform the wind industry, making renewable energy more sustainable than ever before while lowering costs in the process.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in partnership with Arkema Inc of Pennsylvania, have demonstrated the feasibility of thermoplastic resin and validated its structural integrity on a thermoplastic composite blade manufactured at NREL. Blades are currently manufactured using thermoset resin, which requires more energy and manpower in the manufacturing facility, and the end product often ends up in landfills. Switching to thermoplastic resin would make wind turbine blades more recyclable, and can also enable longer,... ... More: Official Press Release NREL

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USA, NREL, manufacturing, turbine, rotor blade, blade, onshore, offshore, research, composite, study, thermoplastic composite blade, thermoset resin system, recycle