Gjenkraft is conducting tests on composite wind turbine blade waste. (Image @ Gjenkraft.)
Gjenkraft AS is a composites recycler located in Norway. In the REFRESH project the company will design and deploy an upgrade to its pilot plant to recycle the composite materials from wind blades.
Gjenkraft offers recycling services for composites waste generated by the wind energy and other sectors. It sells the recovered materials for use in new products. The company’s advanced thermal treatment process enables the recovery of glass fibres, carbon fibres and synthetic fuels. Gjenkraft is actively promoting the sustainable recycling of wind turbine blades and developing new products using these materials.
Gjenkraft is actively entering partnerships and collaborations to advance sustainable recycling practices for wind turbines and showcase their benefits. On the upstream side of its process, Gjenkraft has successfully launched several projects, including collaborations with Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.
On the downstream side, Gjenkraft and its partners have innovated a range of concept products that incorporate recycled materials. These include a carbon fibre-based ski developed with Norwegian ski manufacturer EVI Ski, indoor climbing holds made from fibreglass, and sunglasses crafted from recycled carbon fibre in partnership with Northug. These products are just a few examples of how Gjenkraft is setting new standards and exploring the potential of recycled materials.
Gjenkraft is determined to become a major player in the wind turbine recycling market. The company is actively expanding its operations across Europe, partnering with strategic allies to develop additional facilities. These new plants will leverage Gjenkraft’s scalable business model, significantly boosting the company’s capacity to lead in sustainable recycling practices.
Gjenkraft’s role in REFRESH
In the REFRESH project Gjenkraft plays a key role in Work Package 2: Development and customisation of recycling processes and Work Package 4: Process integration, demonstration and testing at TR 7. Firstly, small-scale tests are being carried out on shredded wind turbine blades using its electrical-assisted thermal process which includes pyrolysis as one of the steps, in continuous and batch processes, to obtain fibres as well as oil and gas fractions from the epoxy resins.
The aim of this research is to compare the properties of the materials obtained and to improve the second stage of the process – fibre purification. Based on the results, the company will then design and build an upgraded pilot line to supply other project partners with recycled material for testing and development of new products.
We spoke to Gjenkraft’s co-owner Marcin Rusin about the company’s business and its work in the REFRESH project.
What is the history of Gjenkraft?
Gjenkraft was established in 2021 but its origin goes back to 2016 when we have started looking into thermal processing technology. There are four co-founders, who are still the company’s sole shareholders: Svein Tore Torvund, Marcin Rusin, and Simon Loginov.
Why did Gjenkraft decide to join the REFRESH project?
We were eager to promote the sustainable processing of composite waste from wind turbine blades, seek out new collaborations with partners who share our interests and goals, and further develop our technology. After we’ve been presented with the goals and objectives of the REFRESH project, it became clear that this platform was ideally suited to help us achieve our own goals as well.
What are the key benefits of Gjenkraft’s pyrolysis technology?
I tend to avoid referring to our technology simply as ‘pyrolysis technology.’ The process is quite complex and pyrolysis is just one component of it. What really sets our process apart is our capability to extract valuable products that are in demand in the market – a demand that we help create through our collaborations with partners. Moreover, we power this entire process using green energy, which underscores our commitment to sustainability. As a result, we are able to provide a cost-effective yet green solution for our customers.
“What really sets our process apart is our capability to extract valuable products that are in demand in the market – a demand that we help create through our collaborations with partners.”
What are the challenges you plan to address in the REFRESH project?
In the REFRESH project, our primary focus is on enhancing the quality of fibres derived from our recycling process. This particular aspect has captured the interest of our project partners, who are keen on obtaining these improved fibres from us for testing. We are actively engaged in research and developing an implementation project. The next phase will see us putting our solutions into practice, producing high-quality recycled materials. These fibres will then be utilised by our partners to create innovative products.
What end products will be developed with the recycled materials?
Gjenkraft’s plant in Høyanger. (Image @ Gjenkraft.)
Three main products derived from our recycling process are: fibre (both glass and carbon), oils, and gases. Our project partners are particularly interested in the fibres, which will also serve as the basis for new products. One product we are developing is nonwoven mats, intended for use in reinforcing panels manufactured by our REFRESH partner Gees Recycling.
We’re exploring the use of this mat and other products in various applications. However, we’re keeping some details under wraps for now, as we have exciting plans we want to reveal later!
What are you aiming to have achieved by the end of the project?
By the end of the project, we aim to have developed and implemented enhancements to our recycling process, resulting in higher quality products. Additionally, we plan to promote the benefits of recycling composite materials, while also enhancing the visibility and recognition of Gjenkraft.
We anticipate concluding the project with a diverse array of innovative products, all crafted from materials derived from our recycling process.
Read about our other partners:
Gjenkraft hosts REFRESH General Assembly in Norway
