Are wind turbines an ecological disaster when it comes to recycling them at the end of their lifespan?
The vast majority of a wind turbine can be recycled: steel, electronic components, concrete from the foundations, and so on.
The blades, usually made of composite materials, are often shredded and reused as raw material, for example in the cement industry. It is even possible to repurpose blades into shelters or playground equipment.
More recently, wind turbine manufacturers have begun offering fully recyclable blades.
And have you heard of “repowering”? Sometimes a wind turbine is replaced by a newer model before the end of its technical lifetime. The old turbine is then dismantled and often reassembled elsewhere.
Wind turbines are designed to produce energy for at least 25 years, and their lifespan can often be extended. At the end of their service life, the turbine is dismantled and the site is restored to its original condition.
Source: WIND - FAQ - Ode