ACCIONA has unveiled “Turbine Made,” Australia’s first initiative aimed at transforming decommissioned wind turbine blades into new materials and products.
The company has successfully repurposed a blade from the Waubra Wind Farm in Victoria, converting it into a versatile particulate for sustainable product manufacturing.
The initiative seeks to address the growing challenge of wind turbine blade disposal in Australia.
With 31 wind farms totalling 599 turbines over 15 years old as of 2023, a significant number of blades will require replacement in the coming decade.
Caroline Pinter, General Manager Brand and Marketing for ACCIONA Energía in Australia, highlighted the potential applications for the recycled material, stating: “The blade material we have created could be used to create a vast range of products — everything from children’s playgrounds and koala crossings for highways to flame-resistant clothing for firefighters, homes for butterflies and artificial reefs.”
ACCIONA is now calling for Australian innovators to explore groundbreaking applications for the recycled material through an ‘Expressions of Interest’ on their website.
The company plans to meet with shortlisted teams to discuss potential implementation and production.
This initiative builds on ACCIONA’s previous efforts in blade recycling, including collaborations with fashion brand El Ganso for sneaker soles and the use of recycled materials in solar tracker components.
ACCIONA’s commitment to sustainability has earned them recognition as one of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies by Corporate Knights.
The company is also investing in future recycling strategies, with a blade recycling plant set to open in Navarra, Spain, in 2026, capable of processing 6,000 tonnes of material annually.
The “Turbine Made” initiative represents a significant step towards advancing the circular economy in the renewable energy sector, addressing the environmental challenges associated with wind turbine decommissioning.
