As the first generation of the UK’s wind turbines come to the end of their serviceable life, a new project aims to recycle the rare earth magnetic materials they contain.
Re-Rewind, a partnership between rare earth magnetic materials recycling firm EMR, ORE Catapult, Magnomatics, and University of Birmingham, has been part funded by Innovate UK.
Its mission is to establish the UK’s first circular supply chain for the rare earth magnets used in wind turbines.
This pioneering collaboration seeks to play a pivotal role in securing the future of sustainable wind energy by recycling critical materials and reducing the reliance on our Earth’s depleting resources.
From high-quality construction steel, copper and other metals to a range of rare earth elements (such as praseodymium and dysprosium), modern wind turbines contain a wealth of materials.
If these cannot be sourced from recycled channels, they must be mined, leading to increased environmental impacts and resource scarcity.
In particular, the wind turbine sector uses very large quantities of a rare earth magnet that’s an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron (NdFeB).
These NdFeB magnets are critical components used in PMSGs (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator) in larger onshore and offshore wind turbines.
With the UK’s rapid transition towards net-zero emissions, it’s predicted that in 2040 there will be a 240,000 tonne shortfall of rare earth magnets, which will slow down progress dramatically unless an alternative source is established.
With no consistent route to recycle these materials, due to safety, economy and technical challenges in extracting and recycling the magnets, the “Re-Rewind” project aims to combat this impending shortage.
It also wants to bolster the UK’s rare earth material security, foster the creation of green jobs, and alleviate the strain on Earth’s diminishing resources.
EMR’s energy infrastructure lead, Dr Charlotte Stamper said: “Our collaborative effort represents a significant step forward in securing the sustainability of wind energy.
“By establishing a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets, we not only reduce the environmental impact of wind turbine production, but we also lay the foundation for a greener, more self-sustaining future.”
HyProMag operations general manager, Nick Mann said: “We are thrilled about this groundbreaking project and the chance to enhance the UK’s rare earth magnet recycling supply chain.
“Thanks to the backing of Innovate UK and our outstanding consortium of project collaborators, we see immense potential.
“Each company’s unique expertise comes into play to tackle the complex task of extracting magnets from retired wind turbines.
“This project is set to overcome the obstacles associated with recycling rare earth magnets from wind turbines, effectively opening up a new domestic source of these magnets, which is a significant achievement in itself.”