Circular solutions for wind turbine blades thanks to C-Blade
The first project call of the FPS Public Health for a more circular economy - "Belgium Builds Back Circular" (BBBC) - resulted in 12 winners in four categories: bicycles, biomimetics, healthcare and wind energy. C-Blade has made an impression in the latter category: an innovative project focused on recycling wind turbine blades. This challenge is particularly timely, given the growth of the industry and the limited lifespan of wind turbines.
Around 90% of a wind turbine's components, such as concrete and metals, are easily recyclable. The blades, on the other hand, are still a major challenge: They are made of composite materials with glass, carbon fibres and resin, and today still mostly end up in the incinerator.
Non-profit organisation Sirris wants to take a different tack. "With the C-Blade project, we are supporting the start-up of a circular value chain for wind turbine blades," explains Linde De Vriese, Circular Economy Project Leader at Sirris. "We hope to develop new processing methods in Belgium. This would give more than 2,000 tons of turbine blades stored in Belgium a second life."
A circular sector under construction
Through the BBBC investment fund, we support projects that reduce waste streams and promote circular chains. Wind energy covers 10 to 20% of Belgium's energy consumption and is an important alternative to fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the industry has an environmental impact, among other things when turbines are dismantled. By encouraging reuse and recycling, we aim to limit this impact and reduce dependence on fluctuating commodity prices.
Since 2016, Sirris has been working around the circular economy for wind turbine blades. In 2021, it brought seven Flemish and Walloon companies together in the C-Blade project, with the aim of developing concrete recycling solutions in the short term. As project coordinator, Sirris provides technical support to these partners.
From blade to new product
C-Blade's ambition: to turn recycled wind turbine blades into new products within five years. After a mechanical grinding process, the fibres are mixed with thermosetting resins to create sturdy, reusable materials. Six companies then use these finished products for applications such as plinths, entrance covers and patio tables.
The biggest challenge is still economic viability. C-Blade is therefore working on mechanical processing methods that are not only efficient but also cost-effective. The BBBC fund made it possible to take the first steps toward a working recycling chain and to structurally support cooperation between businesses.
The major advantage of this support is to create space to build the full recycling value chain. Companies have to work closely together to make wind turbine recycling a success. Thanks to this initiative, companies are committing to invest in a sustainable solution, despite the many risks (such as the economic viability and uncertainty about the future waste stream in Belgium).
Collaboration, innovation and pragmatism: the keys to the green transition
The federal government is directly contributing to the development of circular solutions to a complex waste stream. Sirris wants to fully support the transition to a circular economy. "The European Green Deal has challenging ambitions. If we want to safeguard our future, all businesses will have to take the path of the green transition. The circular economy offers opportunities to a wide range of businesses in many sectors," Linde explains.
C-Blade is demonstrating that even products that are difficult to recycle, such as composite materials, can have a place in the circular economy. Sirris' collaborative model is inspiring other sectors, such as construction and aviation. By sharing knowledge, companies develop concrete applications together and prove that circular business is a viable and profitable choice.
Linde therefore underscores the importance of collaboration: "Circular business is not something you do alone. Through events, networking and joint initiatives, you will discover the most relevant opportunities for your context and product."
