Scottish Renewables Joins SusWIND Steering Board to Drive Circularity in Wind Turbine Blades

The National Composites Centre (NCC) has recently announced the inclusion of Scottish Renewables into the SusWIND steering board. This development marks a significant step forward in the collaborative innovation program aimed at creating a circular economy for wind turbine blades. Launched in 2021 by the NCC in partnership with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, SusWIND is dedicated to accelerating the development of technology, processes, and materials that will make wind turbine blades more recyclable and sustainable in the future. The addition of Scottish Renewables, a prominent trade body representing various renewable energy technologies in Scotland, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving these ambitious goals.

SusWIND’s primary objective is to address the recyclability and future development of composite wind turbine blades. Composite materials are crucial for the success of wind energy due to their lightweight and durable properties. However, the challenge lies in managing the end-of-life phase of these materials. Traditional disposal methods are not environmentally friendly, and recycling options are limited. By bringing together stakeholders from the composites industry and the wind energy sector, SusWIND aims to develop innovative solutions that will reduce the environmental impact and increase the circularity of wind turbine blades. This initiative aligns with the UK’s net-zero targets and global growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Scottish Renewables’ involvement in SusWIND is expected to accelerate the circularity of renewable energy projects in Scotland. As a trade body, Scottish Renewables represents organizations working on a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, hydrogen, solar, tidal, and wave energy. According to Morag Watson, Director of Onshore at Scottish Renewables, this partnership will enable early intervention in the supply chain, enhancing the circularity of turbine blades from the outset. By collaborating with SusWIND, Scottish Renewables aims to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy while also contributing to global sustainability efforts.

The SusWIND steering board comprises a diverse group of industry advisors who provide strategic guidance to stakeholders in the composite industry and the energy sector. In addition to Scottish Renewables, the board includes representatives from the Crown Estate, Crown Estate Scotland, BVG Associates, RenewableUK, Zero Waste Scotland, Net Zero Technology Centre, and Vestas. These advisors play a crucial role in defining the scope of work for wind turbine blade end-of-life recycling, ensuring that circularity principles are embedded in future generations of turbine blades. Their collective expertise and insights will help drive progress towards a sustainable future for wind energy.

One of the key challenges in the wind energy sector is managing the end-of-life phase of turbine blades. Traditional disposal methods, such as landfilling, are not sustainable and pose significant environmental risks. SusWIND aims to address this issue by developing technologies and processes that enable the recycling and repurposing of composite materials used in turbine blades. By creating end-of-life value from past and current turbine blades, SusWIND seeks to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of wind energy projects. This approach aligns with the broader goal of achieving a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled to create a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

The NCC’s role in SusWIND is to provide a de-risked environment for businesses to develop and bring their ideas to market quickly. As part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC collaborates with various industries to drive innovation and support the commercialization of new technologies. In the context of SusWIND, the NCC’s expertise in composite materials and manufacturing processes will be instrumental in developing solutions that enhance the recyclability and sustainability of wind turbine blades. By working closely with industry partners, the NCC aims to facilitate transparency and informed procurement decisions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable supply chain in the renewable energy sector.

In addition to its focus on wind turbine blade recycling, the NCC is also involved in other projects that support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. For example, the NCC is testing composite cryogenic storage tanks to support the development of a hydrogen economy. This project aims to have two demonstrators and reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 by 2025. The advancements made in this project will benefit other sectors, such as aerospace, defense, and space, which also rely on large composite structures. By leveraging its expertise in composite materials, the NCC is contributing to the broader effort to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon future across multiple industries.

The collaboration between the NCC, ORE Catapult, and Scottish Renewables is expected to have a significant impact on the future of wind energy and the circularity of composite materials. By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, SusWIND aims to create a comprehensive framework for managing the entire lifecycle of wind turbine blades. This includes addressing issues related to recyclability, waste reduction, and environmental impact. Through strategic guidance and innovative solutions, SusWIND is poised to drive progress towards a more sustainable and circular economy for wind energy, benefiting not only the renewable energy sector but also other industries that rely on composite materials.

One of the critical aspects of SusWIND’s work is the development of evidence-based recommendations that support sustainable procurement decisions. By providing impartial and solution-agnostic guidance, SusWIND aims to facilitate transparency between partner OEMs and owner operators. This approach ensures that stakeholders have access to reliable information and can make informed choices that align with their sustainability goals. The emphasis on evidence-based recommendations also helps to build trust and credibility within the industry, encouraging more organizations to adopt circular practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of the renewable energy sector.

The involvement of Scottish Renewables in SusWIND is a testament to the organization’s commitment to promoting circularity in the wind energy sector. By joining the steering board, Scottish Renewables will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wind turbine blade recycling and sustainability. This partnership will enable Scottish Renewables to leverage its extensive network and expertise to drive innovation and support the development of new technologies and processes. In doing so, Scottish Renewables aims to enhance the circularity of renewable energy projects and contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets and global sustainability efforts.

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, the need for sustainable and circular practices becomes increasingly important. The work being done by SusWIND and its partners is crucial in addressing the challenges associated with the end-of-life phase of wind turbine blades. By developing innovative solutions and promoting circularity, SusWIND aims to reduce the environmental impact of wind energy projects and create a more sustainable future. The collaboration between the NCC, ORE Catapult, Scottish Renewables, and other industry advisors is a significant step towards achieving these goals and driving progress in the renewable energy sector.

In conclusion, the inclusion of Scottish Renewables in the SusWIND steering board represents a significant milestone in the effort to create a circular economy for wind turbine blades. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its partners, SusWIND aims to develop innovative solutions that enhance the recyclability and sustainability of composite materials used in wind energy projects. This collaborative approach is essential in addressing the challenges associated with the end-of-life phase of turbine blades and achieving a low-carbon and sustainable future. With the support of organizations like Scottish Renewables, SusWIND is well-positioned to drive progress and make a meaningful impact on the renewable energy sector and beyond.