A groundbreaking development has taken place in the world of renewable energy: in wind turbine blade recycling, one of the sector’s biggest waste problems, up to 95% material recovery has been achieved. Thanks to a new composite material made with thermoplastic resin, blades can now be separated at much lower temperatures compared to previous methods, minimizing energy consumption in the process.

Wind turbines are among the most important components of clean energy production. However, their blades, with an average lifespan of about 20–25 years, are usually made of glass fiber and epoxy resin, which are difficult to recycle. This often results in decommissioned blades being sent to landfills or incineration plants. The newly developed thermoplastic resin-based composite seems set to fundamentally change this picture.

Success on the prototype line

Tests carried out on the developed prototype recycling line achieved a 95% efficiency rate in separating glass fiber and resin. According to the research team, the solvents used in this process work at low temperatures, significantly reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the recovered glass fiber and resin are of reusable quality, meaning they can be re-employed in new blades, automotive parts, or building materials.

Wind turbine blades processed on a recycling line

Contribution to the local economy and environment

Turkey is targeting more than 20,000 MW of installed wind power capacity by 2030. This increase in capacity requires that solutions for future blade waste be developed now. Establishing local recycling plants would not only create jobs but also save raw materials. Especially in coastal industrial and logistics hubs, the spread of this new technology could bring economic vitality.

From an ecological standpoint, this recycling process allows tons of composite materials that would otherwise end up in landfills to be reintroduced into the economy. This prevents pollution caused by waste that would take hundreds of years to decompose in nature.

The social responsibility dimension

Experts emphasize that recycling projects are not only technical, but also crucial for raising public awareness. With the cooperation of local governments and universities, such projects could help communities embrace a recycling culture. In addition, workshops organized in schools could familiarize younger generations with sustainable technologies from an early age.

Samples of recycled glass fiber and thermoplastic resin

Scaling plan

The engineering team behind the project states that the technology could be applied on an industrial scale within 12 months. Some wind energy companies in Europe and North America have already begun testing the method in pilot facilities. If the Turkish energy sector seizes this opportunity, it could represent a major step forward in both cost efficiency and eco-friendly production.

The fact that wind turbines can not only produce clean energy but also retain value even at the end of their lifespan demonstrates how far the vision of green energy can go. The 95% recycling success adds a new chapter to the sustainability story of wind power.