Spanish energy company Endesa, PreZero Espana and Reciclalia Composite with the support of GE Renewable Energy and its subsidiary LM Wind Power are to set up the first wind blade recycling plant in Spain.
The project, which will be located in Cubillos del Sil, is part of Endesa’s Futur-e Plan for the Compostilla industrial complex.
Construction of the €8.5m facility will start next year and will create 30 direct jobs when operational at the beginning of 2024.
The facility aims to provide a second life to blade materials by applying circular economy criteria.
In addition, the project contemplates the re-use and incorporation of recycled fibreglass, carbon fibre and other by-products of the process back into the industry, both for wind power and other sectors that may require these compounds.
Under the terms of the agreement, GE Renewable Energy will offer its customers based in Spain the option of recycling disused blades using the new plant.
LM Wind Power will supply around 50% of the excess fibreglass generated during the manufacture of blades at its plants in Ponferrada and Castellón.
This fibreglass will be recycled so that it can be used, among other applications.
Endesa also plans to provide blades that are no longer used in its renewable facilities for recycling.
Endesa general director of generation Rafael Gonzalez said: “This agreement not only reinforces our commitment to the sustainable development of the wind sector, but also we take another step towards the circularity of the sector.”
PreZero chief executive in Spain and Portugal Gonzalo Canete said: “This plant will allow the renewal of wind farms to be promoted, thus generating, in a more sustainable way, a greater volume of green energy.
“With this, in addition, we are moving towards the circularity of the blades, facilitating their recycling and preventing them from being sent to landfill.”
GE Renewable Energy commercial and sales director of onshore wind power for Southern Europe Blanca Monteagudo said: “We are delighted to be working with Endesa in the implementation of this promising recycling solution, which confirms our commitment to the sustainable development of the sector in Spain.”
Reciclalia Composite chief executive Alfonso Bernabe said: “Reciclalia and its team are proud to contribute their experience and knowledge in the composite materials sector to the project in this first recycling plant.”