Researchers have developed a new plant-based material for wind turbine blades that could help address the growing waste problem caused by old turbines.
Minho Kim reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Wind turbine blades are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste.
- A new plant-based material can be recycled and potentially used as a direct replacement in manufacturing without changing existing production processes.
- Economic pressures and higher production costs could hinder the widespread adoption of this new recyclable material.
Key quote:
It’s "designed to be a drop-in replacement. Manufacturers should be able to just take it and use it.”
— Robynne Murray, researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Why this matters:
As wind power grows, the disposal of old turbine blades could contribute to significant landfill waste. A recyclable alternative would reduce this environmental burden and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
