World’s first recyclable wind turbine blades installed
RWE is leading the technological development in the offshore wind industry. Together with Siemens Gamesa, the Kaskasi project now features the world’s first installed recyclable wind turbine blades. The components of the 81-m long RecyclableBlades are able to be recycled for new applications at the end of their lifecycle. RWE and Siemens Gamesa are helping to pave the way towards the full recyclability of wind turbines.
Many components of a wind turbine already have established recycling practices. Until now, the composite materials used in wind turbine blades have been more challenging to recycle. The resin system employed binds all components together. In its RecyclableBlade, Siemens Gamesa uses a resin type with a chemical structure that makes it possible to efficiently separate it from other components following decommissioning. The process protects the properties of the materials, allowing them to be reused in new casting applications, for example in the automotive industry or in consumer goods like flight cases and flat-screen casings.
“Our sixth wind farm off the German coast is taking shape. The first turbine equipped with recyclable blades is generating electricity. The expansion of renewable energies must be driven forward decisively. Faster offshore expansion is particularly important to simultaneously achieve climate targets and to create more energy sovereignty. We at RWE want to help make this happen and the commissioning of the first turbine of our Kaskasi offshore wind farm is a clear sign of this intent,” said Sven Utermöhlen, CEO Wind Offshore, RWE Renewables.
Tailwind for RWE and the energy transition in Germany
RWE is one of the leading companies in the field of renewable energies and number two worldwide in offshore wind. By 2030, RWE intends to grow its global offshore wind capacity from currently 3 GW to 8 GW (capacity represents RWE’s share only). Also in Germany, the company is stepping up the pace: in the German North Sea, RWE is pushing ahead with the development of four offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1.5 GW – partly together with its Canadian partner. By 2030, RWE will invest up to €15 billion gross in the green energy sector in Germany.
