Why can’t we always recycle wind turbine blades? Here are some potential solutions

Wind power is currently the most popular renewable energy source in the United States and accounts for more than a quarter of global renewable electricity generation. It is a crucial part of the clean energy transition, but the technology is not without its flaws. Among them are wind turbine blades, which are usually the only part that is sent to a landfill once the wind turbine has reached the end of its lifespan. Indeed, they are partly made of fiberglass, a difficult and expensive material to recycle.

There are currently three methods of recycling decommissioned blades, the main ones being mechanical recycling and thermal recycling. This involves shaving or burning them to create fiberglass raw material that can be reused by manufacturers. Thermally recycled fiberglass is particularly useful for making concrete, reducing the carbon footprint of the process by 16%.

There is also chemical fiberglass recycling, which chemically dissolves the material to recover the fibers. Although promising, this method is relatively new and likely requires further development to improve cost and safety before it can be widely used. Finding new ways to break down and reuse fiberglass is a good thing, but it currently represents only a small portion of defunct blades. Fortunately, scientists and researchers are addressing the problems and other drawbacks currently associated with wind energy.

Some technology companies aim to modify the materials used to build wind turbines to make blades that are more environmentally friendly and recyclable. German startup Voodin Blade Technology and its partners announced Project VB1F, an effort to build a factory capable of producing wind turbine blades from wood, specifically laminated veneer lumber. The composite material bonds thin layers of wood to create incredibly strong and completely biodegradable wood. Voodin also claims that these wooden blades are easier to construct than traditional blades.

VB1F received a grant of 48.18 million euros (~$55 million) to build its factory from the European Union Innovation Fund, a program that funds projects that help Europe achieve net zero carbon emissions. The project started in April 2026 and is expected to last 117 months (just under 10 years). According to Voodin’s timetable, the factory is expected to start operations in 2031 and will be able to produce around 160 blades each year.

Another ongoing effort to combat fiberglass waste comes from the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association, whose fiberglass vessel recycling program is designed to reduce pollution caused by aging, damaged or abandoned boats with fiberglass hulls. The initiative aims to expand a pilot program to recycle 60 tons of fiberglass with the goal of reducing recycling costs enough to make it a viable alternative to sending it to a landfill. If successful, this would undoubtedly help recycle more fiberglass.