Wind turbines can be recycled environmentally: IIT Mandi researchers

13 Oct 2022 CW Team

Polymer composites, which are typically polymer systems in which fibres like glass and carbon are incorporated for strength, are used to make the blades of wind turbines.

To recycle Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GERP) composite waste, the team has developed a Microwave Assisted Chemical Recycling (MACR) procedure that is environmentally friendly. Microwaves were used to speed up the chemical breakdown of GERP composites using acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

The procedure is particularly unique because both hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid are environmentally friendly chemicals.

The researchers found that their method had a 97.2% epoxy decomposition rate while recovering the glass fibres. In comparison to virgin fibres, the recovered fibres had more than 90% of the other mechanical properties and nearly 99% of the strength.

“The recycling method that we have developed can lead to a profound shift in recycling technologies, which can help the country move towards a circular economy for wind turbines blades,” Venkata Krishnan, Associate Professor, School of chemical sciences, IIT Mandi, said.

With a total installed wind power capacity of 40.8 GW at the end of Q2 2022, India will be the fourth largest country in the world for the installation of wind energy systems. India's wind energy potential is still largely unrealized.

According to a recent resource assessment by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), the country has a total wind power potential of 302 GW at hub heights of 100 metres and 695.50 GW at 120 metres.

Recycling might be seen as a promising solution as India struggles to repower outdated wind projects.

The decommissioned structures of these glass fiber-based turbine blades are destroyed, landfilled, or burned when they can no longer be used. These disposal techniques increase costs and environmental pollution. It almost negates the environmental advantages of wind energy. Furthermore, the cost of these composites used in wind turbine blades may increase due to landfill disposal restrictions and fluctuating raw material prices.

According to a report, ‘Capturing Green Recovery Opportunities from wind power in Developing Economies,’, the wind energy could bring in $18 Billion gross value to India’s economy.

Green energy; National Institute of Wind Energy; Polymer systems; IIT

Microwaves have reportedly been used successfully by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi to recycle polymer composites from used wind turbine blades in a quick, long-lasting, and relatively eco-friendly manner. Polymer composites, which are typically polymer systems in which fibres like glass and carbon are incorporated for strength, are used to make the blades of wind turbines. To recycle Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GERP) composite waste, the team has developed a Microwave Assisted Chemical Recycling (MACR) procedure that is environmentally friendly. Microwaves were used to speed up the chemical breakdown of GERP composites using acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The procedure is particularly unique because both hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid are environmentally friendly chemicals. The researchers found that their method had a 97.2% epoxy decomposition rate while recovering the glass fibres. In comparison to virgin fibres, the recovered fibres had more than 90% of the other mechanical properties and nearly 99% of the strength. “The recycling method that we have developed can lead to a profound shift in recycling technologies, which can help the country move towards a circular economy for wind turbines blades,” Venkata Krishnan, Associate Professor, School of chemical sciences, IIT Mandi, said. With a total installed wind power capacity of 40.8 GW at the end of Q2 2022, India will be the fourth largest country in the world for the installation of wind energy systems. India's wind energy potential is still largely unrealized. According to a recent resource assessment by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), the country has a total wind power potential of 302 GW at hub heights of 100 metres and 695.50 GW at 120 metres. Recycling might be seen as a promising solution as India struggles to repower outdated wind projects. The decommissioned structures of these glass fiber-based turbine blades are destroyed, landfilled, or burned when they can no longer be used. These disposal techniques increase costs and environmental pollution. It almost negates the environmental advantages of wind energy. Furthermore, the cost of these composites used in wind turbine blades may increase due to landfill disposal restrictions and fluctuating raw material prices. According to a report, ‘Capturing Green Recovery Opportunities from wind power in Developing Economies,’, the wind energy could bring in $18 Billion gross value to India’s economy. See also: Mumbai airport introduces wind-solar hybrid energy for airportTamil Nadu establishes highest wind power capacity

Resources

18 Apr 2025

Madhya Pradesh Champions Inclusive Tourism at Heritage Sites

On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is taking a significant step toward inclusive tourism by making its historical sites accessible to all — especially persons with disabilities. The state is rolling out its ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project at Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha, aiming to create a more welcoming experience at these iconic cultural destinations.The initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, includes infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, Braille signage, w..

Resources

18 Apr 2025

Runwal Realty Onboards Sonam Kapoor as Brand Ambassador

Real estate major Runwal has unveiled a refreshed identity as Runwal Realty, signalling a renewed commitment to crafting spaces that stand the test of time. With this refresh, the brand unveils its new philosophy: “Building for Generations to Come” and welcomes Bollywood star and global fashion icon Sonam Kapoor as its brand ambassador. This evolved identity reflects Runwal Realty’s commitment to creating not just homes, but heirlooms—crafted through visionary design, meticulous planning, global design expertise and an unwavering focus on quality. With the customer at its core, each de..

Infrastructure Urban

18 Apr 2025

Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025: KPMG

KPMG’s latest report, The Great Reset: Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025 edition, sheds light on the profound changes transforming the global infrastructure landscape. As industries adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, economic pressures, and technological advancements, the report identifies key trends and provides actionable insights for leaders in infrastructure and transport sectors. “In today’s interconnected world, the lack of standardized supply chain practices is not just an operational challenge—it’s an environmental and economic one. We’..