| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
REWAS 2025: Sustainable End-of-Life Management and Recycling Solutions for Batteries, Wind Turbines, and Photovoltaics
|
| Presentation Title |
Barriers and Opportunities for Recycling Wind Turbine Blades in the United States |
| Author(s) |
Matthew Korey, Peter Wang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Matthew Korey |
| Abstract Scope |
In recent years, the wind energy sector in the U.S. has faced scrutiny over the end-of-life for wind turbine blades (WTBs), as they can often end up in landfills. As the U.S. aims to expand wind energy deployment to meet 2035 energy targets, the need for WTB recycling is expected to rise. However, identifying the most efficient and cost-effective recycling solutions remains ambiguous. To address this, we model various WTB recycling options in the U.S. using life cycle assessment (LCA) and baseline scenarios. Data gathered from literature, industry, and expert opinions informs the analysis of current practices and alternative approaches, like on-site shredding. Initial findings reveal diverse decommissioning methods, each with unique recycling implications. By comparing U.S. practices with international efforts, we uncover potential areas for improvement and knowledge transfer. This study aims to provide insights for sustainable/economical handling of end-of-life WTBs and inform future recycling pathways. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Sustainability, Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Environmental Effects |