End-of-Life Strategies for Wind Turbines: Blade Recycling, Second-Life Applications, and Circular Economy Integration

Natalia Cieślewicz, Krzysztof Pilarski and Agnieszka A. Pilarska ()
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Natalia Cieślewicz: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Krzysztof Pilarski: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Agnieszka A. Pilarska: Department of Hydraulic and Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94A, 60-649 Poznań, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-29

Abstract: Wind power is integral to the transformation of energy systems towards sustainability. However, the increasing number of wind turbines approaching the end of their service life presents significant challenges in terms of waste management and environmental sustainability. Rotor blades, typically composed of thermoset polymer composites reinforced with glass or carbon fibres, are particularly problematic due to their low recyclability and complex material structure. The aim of this article is to provide a system-level review of current end-of-life strategies for wind turbine components, with particular emphasis on blade recycling and decision-oriented comparison, and its integration into circular economy frameworks. The paper explores three main pathways: operational life extension through predictive maintenance and design optimisation; upcycling and second-life applications; and advanced recycling techniques, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods, and reports qualitative/quantitative indicators together with an indicative Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Recent innovations, such as solvolysis, microwave-assisted pyrolysis, and supercritical fluid treatment, offer promising recovery rates but face technological and economic as well as environmental compliance limitations. In parallel, the review considers deployment maturity and economics, including an indicative mapping of cost and deployment status to support decision-making. Simultaneously, reuse applications in the construction and infrastructure sectors—such as concrete additives or repurposed structural elements—demonstrate viable low-energy alternatives to full material recovery, although regulatory barriers remain. The study also highlights the importance of systemic approaches, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Digital Product Passports and EU-aligned policy/finance instruments, and cross-sectoral collaboration. These instruments are essential for enhancing material traceability and fostering industrial symbiosis. In conclusion, there is no universal solution for wind turbine blade recycling. Effective integration of circular principles will require tailored strategies, interdisciplinary research, and bankable policy support. Addressing these challenges is crucial for minimising the environmental footprint of the wind energy sector.

Keywords: wind turbine; waste processing; blade recycling; component durability; end-of-life management; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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