Wind turbines bound for landfill because of hefty recycling expenses
ABC North and West SA / By Christian Cominos
Posted Mon 20 Jun 2022 at 9:23pmMonday 20 Jun 2022 at 9:23pm, updated Mon 20 Jun 2022 at 9:23pmMonday 20 Jun 2022 at 9:23pm
Researchers from the University of South Australia are urging renewable energy companies in the state to come up with an end-of-life plan for their ageing wind turbines.
Key points:
Studies suggest wind turbine waste could end up in landfill by the end of the decade
Wind turbines have a life span of 10 to 20 years
Energy companies in Denmark have turned their old turbines into bus shelters and playgrounds
A study led by Professor Peter Majewski indicated that tens of thousands of old turbines could end up in landfill by the end of the decade.
Worldwide, there could be more than 40 million tonnes of blade waste in landfills by 2050.
Wind turbines have life span of 10 to 20 years and are expensive to break down due to their size and the fact they are made from a mixture of composite materials including glass fibre, carbon fibre, polyester and epoxy resins.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-21/wind-turbine-waste-landfill-recycling-costs/101168442
