Steel and concrete from wind turbines can be largely recycled, but glass- and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic blades generate tens of thousands of tonnes of waste each year. The volume continues to rise as more turbines reach the end of their service life.
To reduce this impact, production methods must become more sustainable. HAW Kiel and Nuebold Yachtbau are working together to develop rotor blades made from natural fibres such as flax, balsa and paulownia, aiming for a significantly improved environmental profile.
Project lead Sten Böhme said the team aims to demonstrate that blades made from flax and other renewable raw materials can meet all technical requirements and support more sustainable wind energy.
The project receives financial backing from EKSH, the regional energy and climate protection organisation in Schleswig-Holstein.
