High-quality recycling gives wind turbine blades a second life
The two-step thermolysis process applied to shredded end-of-life material from wind turbine blades, with input of raw materials, vapor and solid output streams, and oil fraction.
July 2, 2026 – The Dutch organization for applied scientific research TNO is developing new methods to recycle decommissioned wind turbine blades into high-value materials. These blades are made from strong composite materials that are difficult to recycle and are often incinerated or used as low-grade filler.
The new approach preserves fibres and other valuable materials so they can be reused in high-performance products. This reduces the demand for new raw materials and limits waste generated when ageing wind farms are replaced.
Demand for such recycling methods is expected to grow as increasing numbers of wind turbines reach the end of their service life. Recovering valuable materials supports more sustainable wind energy production and strengthens the transition to a circular economy.
