In Irvine, Ayrshire, approximately 80 of Britain’s oldest wind turbine blades remain unused in a warehouse. These blades, which once stood 55 meters tall at Scotland’s first commercial wind farm at Hagshaw Hill, are now awaiting advancements in blade recycling technology. Newer turbines at the site have replaced them and are expected to generate five times more electricity while occupying less space.
Across Europe, initiatives to upgrade older wind farms with more efficient turbines are underway, presenting a sustainability challenge as the industry grapples with what to do with the thousands of decommissioned turbine blades. While about 85% to 90% of a turbine is recyclable, the carbon fiber blades are notably difficult to process.
By 2030, Europe anticipates dismantling around 14,000 wind turbines, which could result in 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of blade waste. Germany, Spain, and Italy are expected to contribute significantly to this waste. The U.S. wind industry may face a similar situation, with projections of 200,000 to 370,000 tonnes of blade waste annually by 2050.
Many wind farm developers are committed to preventing old blades from ending up in landfills, though some older blades have already been disposed of this way. In response, efforts are being made to repurpose retired blades into functional items like bus shelters and charging station coverings.
Iberdrola, the parent of ScottishPower, plans to open a recycling facility in Spain designed to process up to 10,000 tonnes of blade waste annually. This plant aims to recover materials for reuse in various industries, contributing to a circular economy.
Companies, including ScottishPower and Ørsted, are collaborating with government and industry groups to develop more easily recyclable turbine designs. Meanwhile, research is ongoing to extend the lifespan of existing blades, with early results suggesting potential longevity increases, which could mitigate the urgent need for recycling solutions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/21/recycle-turbine-blades-windfarms-uk-europe