Wind turbines waste generation 2029-2049, by region

By 2049, more than 6.5 million metric tons of blade material waste is estimated to be produced worldwide by existing wind turbines in operation, as they reach the end of their lifespan. Roughly 16 percent of this volume is expected to be generated in the U.S., with the European Union accounting for another 30 percent.

Turbine blade recycling challenges

The lightweight and durable turbine blades are typically made of carbon fiber or glass fiber composite materials. While established recycling methods exist for the steel, cement, and wiring components used in wind turbines, the blades pose a new challenge as their composite materials require specific recycling processes. In 2021, the largest available rotor size diameter was approximately 220 meters, as larger blades are better for increased capacity. As the global cumulative installed wind capacity increases significantly, blade material waste will become a more pressing issue as more blades reach the end of their roughly 20-year life span.

Developments in global wind power

The global wind power market has undergone considerable growth in recent decades, with global installed capacity rising from 24 gigawatts in 2001 to 743 gigawatts in 2020. During that time, the value of investments in wind energy technologies has gone up while the cost of onshore and offshore wind energy has decreased. Turbine manufacturers are now producing larger, taller, and more powerful turbines, with capacities now reaching 10 gigawatts for a single unit.