Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Mechanical/physical recycling yields fiber retention rates of only 10%–78%, limiting high-value reuse; chemical methods achieve 55%–96% retention, while combined methods exceed 95%, demonstrating superior resource efficiency for industrial adoption. • • Pyrolysis has reached industrial scale but suffers from high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, whereas chemical methods offer potential carbon reduction advantages but are not yet industrially viable due to high solvent costs and stringent equipment requirements. • • Life-cycle assessment shows that mechanical/physical recycling combined with cement kiln co-processing has the highest tolerance for transportation distance, making it suitable for northwest China; regional recycling centers are recommended to reduce logistics costs. • • Policy frameworks must integrate technology-specific standards, producer responsibility extensions, and regional incentives, with international collaboration to avoid 'build-first, recycle-later' path dependencies in emerging economies.
Abstract
Under the dual-carbon strategic goal, China's wind power installed capacity continues to grow rapidly, making the low-carbon recycling of decommissioned wind turbine blades increasingly prominent. This study systematically reviews material recovery pathways, policy support systems, and life-cycle carbon benefits of decommissioned blades. It first analyzes regional distribution and unit characteristics of wind power installations, identifying differentiated challenges in dismantling, transportation, and reuse across regions. Subsequently, it compares mechanical/physical, pyrolysis, chemical, and combined recycling technologies. Results show that mechanical/physical methods are low-cost but yield fiber retention rates of only 10%–78%; pyrolysis has reached industrial scale but exhibits high carbon emission intensity; chemical methods achieve higher fiber retention (55%–96%) with potential carbon reduction advantages; combined methods overcome single-technology limitations, achieving fiber retention exceeding 95%, demonstrating potential for high-value utilization and low-carbonization. At the policy level, China has proposed a two-stage target: initially establishing a blade recycling responsibility mechanism by 2025 and forming industrial clusters by 2030, with gradual improvements in standards and incentives. Life-cycle assessment indicates that wind power has slightly higher global warming potential (GWP) than photovoltaics, but its emissions are mainly concentrated in component manufacturing; if efficient recycling is achieved, wind power could surpass photovoltaics in full life-cycle carbon benefits. In summary, promoting efficient recycling and policy coordination for decommissioned wind turbine blades can achieve dual benefits of resource recycling and carbon reduction, providing strong support for reconstructing a sustainable renewable energy development paradigm.
1. Introduction
The rapid expansion of wind power capacity in China, driven by dual-carbon goals, has led to a looming challenge: the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades. These blades, primarily composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), have a lifespan of 20–25 years, and by 2050, China is expected to generate over 85,000 tonnes of retired blades. Current disposal methods, predominantly landfilling, are environmentally unsustainable, occupying land, releasing greenhouse gases, and wasting valuable glass fiber and resin resources. Moreover, the embedded carbon emissions from blade manufacturing are not offset by inefficient recycling, undermining the full life-cycle carbon benefits of wind power. Existing recycling technologies each have limitations: mechanical methods damage fibers, pyrolysis is energy-intensive, and chemical methods are not yet commercially viable. This fragmented landscape calls for a systematic evaluation of recycling pathways to identify those that maximize resource recovery and carbon mitigation.
This study addresses the critical gap by comprehensively comparing mechanical, pyrolysis, chemical, and combined recycling technologies, and integrating life-cycle assessment to quantify carbon benefits. It also examines policy support mechanisms and regional logistical challenges. The key innovation lies in demonstrating that combined recycling methods, achieving fiber retention rates exceeding 95%, can unlock high-value material recovery and significant carbon savings, potentially enabling wind power to outperform photovoltaics in full life-cycle environmental performance. By providing empirical data and strategic recommendations, this research offers a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders to implement efficient, low-carbon recycling systems for decommissioned wind turbine blades.
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CAI Chouai, LI Xia, WU Chunran, FANG Le, ZHANG Cheng, KOU Shicong (2026). Recycling Pathways and Carbon Benefit Reconfiguration of Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades. Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering. https://doi.org/10.12030/j.cjee.202509039
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main technical bottlenecks in achieving high fiber retention rates during recycling of wind turbine blades?
The primary bottleneck is the cross-linked structure of thermosetting resins and glass fibers, which makes efficient separation difficult. Mechanical methods cause fiber damage, yielding retention rates of only 10%–78%. Chemical methods can achieve 55%–96% retention but require harsh conditions and high solvent costs, hindering industrial scalability. Combined methods, integrating multiple technologies, can exceed 95% retention but involve complex processes and high investment.
How does the choice of recycling technology affect the life-cycle carbon footprint of wind power?
Life-cycle assessments show that wind power's GWP is slightly higher than photovoltaics, with emissions concentrated in manufacturing. Efficient recycling can offset these embedded emissions. For instance, mechanical recycling combined with cement kiln co-processing has high tolerance for transportation distance, making it suitable for regions like northwest China, thereby reducing overall carbon footprint. In contrast, pyrolysis, though industrially mature, has high energy consumption and carbon emissions.
What are the economic and logistical challenges in establishing regional recycling centers for decommissioned blades?
Blades are concentrated in northwest, north, northeast, and coastal regions. Transportation costs are high due to blade size, especially offshore. Regional recycling centers can reduce logistics costs, but require significant capital investment. The study recommends mechanical/physical recycling with cement kiln co-processing for northwest due to its tolerance for long transport distances, while coastal areas need efficient low-pollution technologies. Economic viability depends on policy incentives and carbon credit mechanisms.
What policy mechanisms are essential to promote large-scale adoption of advanced recycling technologies?
China has set a two-stage target: establish a blade recycling responsibility mechanism by 2025 and form industrial clusters by 2030. Policies need to include specific recycling targets, technology standards, and extended producer responsibility. Regional policies should address differences between northwest and coastal areas. International collaboration is crucial to avoid 'build-first, recycle-later' patterns in emerging economies. Incentives should link technology R&D subsidies with carbon reduction accounting.
How does the fiber retention rate impact the economic value of recycled materials?
Higher fiber retention rates (e.g., >95% with combined methods) preserve fiber length and mechanical properties, enabling use in high-value applications like composite manufacturing. Lower retention rates (10–78%) result in downcycled products with limited market value. Thus, achieving high retention is critical for economic viability and circular economy goals.
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