The REFRESH project is being presented at the 2^nd Annual Wind Blade Materials and Recycling Forum. The event takes place in Amsterdam on 30-31 October under the theme Supporting Sustainable Decommissioning of Wind Turbine Blades.

The forum focuses on end-of-life (EoL) strategies for wind turbine blades and considers how to improve the recyclability and sustainability of new blade designs.

Topics will include:

• understanding the challenges faced by turbine operators in blade recycling;
• the recycling technologies available for wind blades and potential developments;
• repurposing blades;
• removing barriers to blade recycling and circularity;
• innovative blade design to support sustainable solutions;
• the use of recycled materials in blade design.

REFRESH smart, circular recycling of turbine blades

The programme will include presentations and panel discussions highlighting innovative research projects and industry initiatives.

The REFRESH presentation, REFRESH – Smart, Circular Recycling of Turbine Blades and Smart Traceability Tool, is scheduled for 31 October at 2.40 pm. It is a joint presentation by REFRESH project coordinator RINA Consulting and partner TECNALIA.

Project coordinator Daniel Grisenti of RINA Consulting, will first provide an overview of the project’s concept and the technologies and products being developed.

Jaime Moreno Juez from TECNALIA will then offer more information about the novel blockchain traceability platform (BTP) which will cover the whole value chain. This will enable traceability of changes in quality (composition), ownership and status of material resources in the value chain. An automated algorithm based on the information stored in the traceability platform and market conditions will select the most appropriate solution for EoL blades.

REFRESH recycling processes

This presentation will be followed by talk from REFRESH partner CIRCE: Thermo-Chemical Recycling of Wind Turbine Blades Assisted by Microwave Heating. This will be delivered by Ignacio Julián Burillo and discuss the prospects of microwave-assisted pyrolysis and solvolysis processes for reclaiming fibres and resin-derived oils from blade waste.

In addition, REFRESH partner Gjenkraft is a Bronze Sponsor of the forum. In the REFRESH project Gjenkraft is upscaling its advanced thermal process for recycling blades. The glass fibres being recovered from this process are being incorporated into new products being designed by other partners.

Further information

The 2^nd Annual Wind Blade Materials and Recycling Forum is expected to attract 150+ attendees and is organised by Leadvent Group. The full programme is available on the event website.