The global deployment of renewable energy to mitigate climate change is increasing. China, with the world's largest installed wind power capacity, faces a growing challenge: managing the increasing waste from composite wind turbine blades. This study predicts the quantity and composition of this waste in China by 2050 (7.7 to 23.1 million tonnes), evaluating the environmental and financial costs of various treatment options. While glass fiber recycling technologies exist, they are not always commercially viable, cost-competitive, or environmentally sustainable. This research informs policymakers and industry on pathways to carbon neutrality.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Dec 12, 2023
Authors
Juhua Yang, Fanran Meng, Lixiao Zhang, Jon McKechnie, Yuan Chang, Bingran Ma, Yan Hao, Xiang Li, Kyle Pender, Liu Yang, Gary A. Leeke, Jonathan M. Cullen
Tags
renewable energy
wind turbine blades
waste management
recycling
China
environmental sustainability
carbon neutrality
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