WindEurope has claimed Europe must rapidly scale blade recycling as growing volumes of wind farms reach end of life.
The organisation has claimed around 80GW of the continent’s 290GW fleet will reach the end of its theoretical operational lifetime by 2030, with annual decommissioned blade volumes expected to rise to 55,000 tonnes by then.
WindEurope has claimed many projects will continue operating but a rising share will be dismantled, driven by maturing markets in Germany and Spain.
The industry has imposed a landfill ban for wind turbine blades from 1 January 2026 and has claimed the remaining challenge in achieving circular wind turbines lies in handling composite blades.
WindEurope said around 90% of a turbine’s mass is already recyclable using standard waste practices but many blades are still not recycled after decommissioning.
The organisation has claimed new reuse, repurposing, recycling and recovery solutions are emerging as blade waste volumes grow and said companies are entering the value chain with new roles and job opportunities.
WindEurope has launched a circularity hub showcasing technologies and projects it said are already delivering second-life uses for blades.
The group said European companies are investing in new facilities and developing low-impact disposal routes as part of a wider shift to circular wind energy.
WindEurope has also claimed the European Commission’s planned Circular Economy Act in 2026 must introduce new waste codes, arguing wind turbine components are currently mixed with construction waste, hindering proper treatment.
The organisation said dedicated codes for decommissioned blades and permanent magnets would improve traceability and ensure appropriate processing.
WindEurope added that around 300 industry experts will meet in Lisbon on 20–21 November for EoLIS 2025 to discuss repowering, decommissioning and recycling issues.