RWE and Siemens Gamesa Innovate Wind Turbine Recyclability

The operational longevity of onshore wind farms is typically estimated at two to two and a half decades.

Despite around 90% of a wind farm being recyclable, the turbine blades often present recycling challenges. In response, WindEurope is advocating for a continent-wide prohibition on the landfilling of turbine blades by the year 2025.

Giles Dickson, CEO at WindEurope, emphasises the green credentials of wind energy: “Wind energy is a green technology. Sustainability is part of our DNA. That’s why we are constantly striving to further reduce our impact on the environment.

“A ban on landfilling wind turbine blades will help accelerate the development of sustainable recycling technologies. Austria, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands already have a landfill ban in place. But we call upon the European Commission to propose a harmonised European approach.”

In a progressive collaboration, RWE has teamed up with Siemens Gamesa to back the first extensive implementation of recyclable rotor blades at a UK-based offshore wind farm.

Procurement and implementation process

The turbine blades involved in this project are fabricated from a pioneering resin designed to allow recyclability.

Upon reaching the end of their service life, these materials can be separated and repurposed for use in various products, such as vehicle components, bicycles, helmets and suitcases.

At RWE’s Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, a total of 150 recyclable blades are now being installed across 50% of its 100 turbines. The successful deployment of these blades would empower Sofia to produce renewable energy sufficient to supply around 1.2 million standard UK households.

Thomas Michel, Chief Operating Officer at RWE Offshore Wind, adds: “This installation represents an important moment for RWE and Sofia. Deploying recyclable blades at this scale is an indicator of RWE’s drive to deliver sustainability across its renewables fleet. By working with partners like Siemens Gamesa, we are setting a new sustainability benchmark for renewables development and helping significantly improve the circularity of offshore wind technology.”

Advancements in Siemens Gamesa's RecyclableBlade technology

Siemens Gamesa is committed to enhancing the circularity of wind energy infrastructure.

The company is addressing the challenges posed by increasing installations and the imposing of stringent legal frameworks targeting turbine recycling in various jurisdictions.

Its commitment is underscored by an ambitious goal to produce fully recyclable wind turbines by 2040. Historically, decommissioned turbine blades would typically end up in landfill sites, an issue effectively countered by Siemens’ RecyclableBlade technology, which facilitates cross-industry reuse.

This advancement was relatively straightforward, reportedly requiring only the introduction of its innovative resin compound.

Darren Davidson, Vice President at Siemens Energy UK and Siemens Gamesa UK, says: “Seeing the first recyclable blades being installed in UK waters is a major landmark moment. This is a great example of how we can share knowledge and work together to deliver on both energy security and a net zero future.

“As a global leader in energy technology, we’re proud to be partnering with RWE on Sofia, one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world.”

Sustainable procurement and RWE's environmental agenda

In line with its sustainability vision, RWE reports a 50% reduction in emissions within a year from the plants it operates, correlating its achievements with the expansion into wind and solar assets to realise climate-friendly energy systems.

Its strategic objective is a reduction of more than 70% in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, ultimately aiming for net zero by 2040.

Kunal Chandra, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at RWE, shared on LinkedIn: “Sustainability in infrastructure and products starts with being smart right at the design phase and this is exactly what we have done with our partner Siemens Energy by installing recyclable blades in our Sofia Windfarm.

“Treating sustainability as an aftermath is already half the battle lost. Designing and building smartly keeping all future implications in mind is the hallmark of an excellent company and excellent products. At RWE we design for Sustainability.”