Wind turbine blades to skis
We are working with partners to produce skis with recycled materials from wind turbine blades which have reached the end of their operational life.
Blades are difficult to recycle because of the material composition and available recycling technologies. Blades are made of resin, glass or carbon fibre, balsa wood, PVC or PET foam, other polymers, and metals.
Separating these components is challenging, which complicates the recycling process and limits the potential for recovering residual value. Moreover, although technologies for recycling composite materials exist, they vary in maturity.
As part of our commitment to a 100% circular outflow of composite materials from wind turbines by 2030, we have explored various blade recycling technologies. In collaboration with the innovative Norwegian recycling company Gjenkraft, we recycled blade material into skis in 2024.
Gjenkraft recycled the carbon fibre from the blades, which EVI then used to produce alpine skis that meet industry standards while significantly reducing environmental impact. Using recycled materials reduces the need for mining and processing primary raw materials, as well as the associated CO2 emissions and impact on biodiversity.
More about circularity
The transition to a circular economy is an opportunity, and renewable energy is an important piece of the puzzle in driving the circular economy forward.
Transform to a more circular business
Circularity is essential to securing future resource needs, reducing costs, and achieving our sustainability targets.
See also
Offshore wind turbines get reusable covers
Reusable covers for foundations were used during the installation of the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid.
Recyclable blades in Hollandse Kust Zuid
The offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid in the Netherlands uses Siemens Gamesa’s RecyclableBlades, which are designed for recycling.
Wind turbine turned into compact living
A wind turbine nacelle was turned into a tiny house, showcasing innovative reuse of materials during the Dutch Design Week 2024.