How can wind turbine rotor blades be disposed of in a sensible way?

In addition to the tragic coronavirus pandemic, 2020 also had its positive sides. Sustainable energy production increased sharply and in many places entire countries were supplied exclusively with green electricity, sometimes for days. But how sustainable is the production of energy from wind and sun really if we also include the production and disposal of solar panels and wind turbines?

There are still a few problems here with wind turbines. It is currently becoming clear in many places that the disposal of wind turbine rotor blades is increasingly becoming an issue. In Ireland, for example, there will be around 11,000 tons of discarded leaves by 2025. So do the parts just end up in the garbage dump or can they be reused?

Many researchers are also thinking about this. In Cork, for example, a bicycle bridge is to be inaugurated soon, which will consist of discarded rotor blades and then connect the two villages of Youghal and Middletown. However, since we will have significantly more decommissioned rotors than we need bridges in the future, alternative possible applications are also being investigated.

Examples of this are the conversion of the leaves into cement or the reuse as an electrical transmission mast. But new ideas also arise at the beginning of the life cycle. Scientists are examining to what extent other materials can contribute to better recyclability so that the wind turbines of the future can also contribute to a green future after their service life.

Until then, the stream of creative ideas will not stop. Also under discussion is a deployment along coastal sections to act as a wave brake and to avoid erosion. To better support reefs, the blades could also be installed underwater. Existing rotor blades could still be used sensibly.

Own opinion:

The example shows how important it is to think ahead in the field of sustainable energies. Of course, a wind turbine can produce a lot of energy without emitting just one gram of CO2. However, a product is only as green as its entire life cycle allows. And that includes production and final disposal.

via Grist