Circular economy and sustainability / High value-added solutions for strategic markets
COOPERATION AND RESEARCH FOR CIRCULARITY IN THE WIND INDUSTRY
CICLO
Motivation
The Spanish wind energy sector plays a key role in the electricity system and aims to double its capacity by 2030, which entails significant challenges, such as the dismantling of wind turbines at the end of their service life. By 2050, a considerable portion of the installed capacity is expected to be decommissioned, highlighting the need for effective recycling solutions, especially for the blades, whose complex composition makes them difficult to process. Currently, more than 10,000 MW of installed capacity is over 15 years old, underscoring the urgent need to apply innovative technologies to facilitate the reuse of wind turbine components and promote the circular economy.
In this context, AITEX will contribute to the development of solutions to valorize the fibers obtained from the recycling of wind turbine blades through textile technologies. The goal is to transform these recycled fibers into new textile products, such as mats, nonwovens, yarns, and fabrics, fostering sustainability and circularity in the wind energy sector.
Objectives
The main objective of the project is to research new technological solutions to promote the circular economy in the field of renewable energies, specifically focusing on the recycling and recovery of wind turbine blades and other composite components used in wind turbine construction, such as nacelles and electrical cabinets, at the end of their life cycle. Despite previous advances, significant challenges remain at all stages of the process, which the project aims to address — from collection to material recovery. Through a comprehensive approach that includes separation, extraction, recycling, and processing, the goal is to recover nearly 100% of the materials. Additionally, research will be conducted to develop alternative materials that are easier to recycle, such as recyclable polymer matrices.
Expected results
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Development of a precise cutting system for blades, enabling efficient recycling and material recovery.
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Recovery of high-purity fibers and recycled materials, reusable in new composites for construction and transportation.
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Creation of recycled materials that meet safety and fire resistance standards for building and automotive applications.
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Optimization of thermal and enzymatic processes, maximizing fiber and resin recovery and obtaining secondary raw materials.
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Application of recycled materials in construction, textiles, and automotive sectors, reducing emissions, costs, and reliance on virgin raw materials.
Grant number: PLEC2024-011215
Programme: CDTI-AEI Transmissions 2024
Period of execution: January 2025 – December 2028
Status: In progress
Entity: CDTI
This project is funded by the CDTI (Center for the Development of Industrial Technology), through the Ministry of Science and Innovation, as part of the “Cervera” Excellence Technology Centers grants.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
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