According to the European Composites Association, as of 2018, the European Union has a total of 130,000 fans. In 2018, 14% of the EU's electricity generation came from wind energy, and this number is increasing year by year. In response, more than 2.5 million tons of composite materials are used to produce wind turbine blades. In the next 5 years, 12,000 wind turbines in the European Union will reach the end of their useful life, which needs to be dismantled urgently. Therefore, how to effectively recycle and reuse it has become an urgent issue facing people.
"The first generation of wind turbines is about to expire and their position will be replaced by the more advanced new generation of wind turbines," said Giles Dickson, CEO of the European Wind Energy Association. "Our first choice is to recycle old blades. Pass Combining the strengths of the chemical industry and the composites industry, we will find the most effective method. "
"Through continuous R & D investment in new materials, the chemical industry plays a pivotal role in the process of achieving a circular economy. The research results obtained therefrom will significantly reduce the production costs of fan blades, improve their quality, and promote their recycling and reuse "The European Chemical Industry Association president Marco Mensink said," Innovation comes from cooperation. Through the joint efforts of the three parties, we are bound to achieve a breakthrough in wind turbine blade recycling technology. "
"As an important part of renewable energy, the wind power industry has always been at the forefront of composites applications," said Roberto Frassine, president of the European Composites Association. "We will work together to write new industry guidelines and promote composites in ships, construction And other fields. "
According to the European Composites Association, composite recycling technology obtained from the wind power industry will be copied to other industries, thereby enhancing the sustainable development of the entire composites industry.