ÉireComposites, University of Galway launch R3WIND project

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ÉireComposites Teo (Galway, Ireland), in collaboration with the University of Galway (Ireland) and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), announces the R3WIND (Repairable, Recyclable and Reusable) project, an initiative that will develop sustainable solutions for wind turbine blade manufacturing, repair and recycling.

“Wind energy is critical in meeting Ireland’s future electricity needs,” says Tomás Flanagan, CEO of ÉireComposites. “The R3WIND project builds on previous successful collaborations between ÉireComposites and the University of Galway and looks at new materials and processes to make wind energy more sustainable over the long term. It aims to develop novel solutions that will place Ireland at the cutting edge of the wind energy sector.”

Project objectives

Generate a blade design that incorporates disassembly and recyclability.
A comprehensive life cycle analysis of wind turbine blades will be performed giving valuable insights into their environmental impact across all stages of their life cycle, from raw material extraction, repair and maintenance to end of life.
Novel repair techniques will be developed which will reduce the downtime cost of the turbine and increase the efficiency.
The test data generated will demonstrate the suitability of the selected material and repair technique will ensure the lifespans of the blades are increased by at least 20%.

Through strategic design and advanced manufacturing, R3WIND aims to develop robust wind turbine blades optimized for disassembly, repair and recycling. The use of sustainable resins, such as Elium or vitrimers, have the ability to soften when heated, enabling efficient repair methods that extend the lifespan of the blades, minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs.

Beyond repairability, the project is also focusing on developing efficient recycling techniques for decommissioned wind turbine blades. By incorporating material recycling and energy recovery practices, R3WIND aims to mitigate waste generation and lessen the environmental footprint of retired wind energy infrastructure.

A key element of R3WIND is a comprehensive life cycle analysis, evaluating the environmental impact of the entire blade product system from production to end of life. This data-driven approach ensures that sustainability is embedded at every stage of the blade’s lifecycle.

This project has been supported with financial contribution from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2024, Grant number24/RDD/01089.