Vattenfall and BASF will use Siemens Gamesa’s RecyclableBlades on the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid.
The blades are made of a new type of resin that allows the different materials to be separated and reused more easily. The new blades will be installed on three of the 140 turbines.
Vattenfall announced last year that by 2030, it wants to be able to reuse all wind turbine blades. The blades, while most turbine parts can be reused, are a challenge. The resin, which is fused with fiberglass and carbon to create the blade’s structure, is the reason for this. Only by exposing the resin to a combination of high temperatures, high pressure, and special treatments will it dissolve. This is costly because it necessitates a lot of energy. Furthermore, the quality of various materials degrades as a result of these harsh conditions.
RecyclableBlades from Siemens Gamesa use a new type of resin that dissolves when the blade is immersed in a heated, slightly acidic solution. This separates the resin from the blade’s components without causing significant damage. Glass and carbon fibers, as well as wooden parts, plastic, and metal, can all be reused.
Vattenfall’s first project to use them is Hollandse Kust Zuid 1-4. In 2023, the blades will be installed. The first regular turbine of the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm was put in place over the Easter weekend.
Imafe source: Vattenfall
