Recycling broken wind turbine parts could create 20,000 UK jobs and multi-billion-pound supply chain

Tens of billions of pounds could be generated for the UK economy from the re-use, refurbishment and re-engineering of broken wind turbine parts, according to a new coalition set-up to drive the creation of a circular supply chain for renewables in the UK.

Building the capabilities to refurbish wind turbine parts in the UK could also generate more than 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs by 2035, and prevent more than 800,000 tonnes of parts from being scrapped.

The group, which so far comprises Scottish-headquartered energy company SSE Renewables, the University of Strathclyde, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Renewable Parts Ltd, made the statement as they launched CWIC, the new Coalition for Wind Industry Circularity today (March 28).

Responding, Nick Sharpe, Director of Communications and Strategy at Scottish Renewables, said:

“As we approach 2030, a significant number of our wind farms will reach the end of their 20 to 25 year lifespans.

“We know that 80% of a modern wind turbine is recyclable so there are clear opportunities for wind farm operators to harness a circular economy by increasing the reuse of component parts from decommissioned projects.

“To have the main wind turbine manufacturers as founding partners of the Coalition for Wind Industry Circularity is a clear sign that the onshore and offshore wind sectors are committed to working closely with our members to deliver a renewables circular economy industry for Scotland.”

• More information on this announcement is available from SSE Renewables.