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Recovering glass fibers from waste wind turbine blades: Recycling methods, fiber properties, and potential utilization

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  • Xu, Ming-xin
  • Ji, Hai-wen
  • Wu, Ya-chang
  • Meng, Xiang-xi
  • Di, Jin-yi
  • Yang, Jie
  • Lu, Qiang

Abstract

As the global demand for wind power continues to increase, there is growing concern about the disposal of waste wind turbine blades, which are predominantly composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the recovery of glass fibers from waste wind turbines, examining various recycling techniques including mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, combustion, and chemical solvolysis. Additionally, the review assesses the impact of each technique on the properties of the recovered glass fibers and explores potential secondary applications for these fibers. Notably, the review emphasizes the significant impact of recycling methods on the characteristics of recovered glass fibers and establishes meaningful connections among recycling approaches, fiber properties, and potential applications. Furthermore, the review offers insights into future research directions and technological advancements needed to address current challenges in this field. The objective of this review is to advance knowledge and technology for addressing waste wind turbine blades and promoting the sustainable utilization of recovered glass fibers.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Ming-xin & Ji, Hai-wen & Wu, Ya-chang & Meng, Xiang-xi & Di, Jin-yi & Yang, Jie & Lu, Qiang, 2024. "Recovering glass fibers from waste wind turbine blades: Recycling methods, fiber properties, and potential utilization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:202:y:2024:i:c:s1364032124004167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114690
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Omid Zabihi & Mojtaba Ahmadi & Chao Liu & Roya Mahmoodi & Quanxiang Li & Mahmoud Reza Ghandehari Ferdowsi & Minoo Naebe, 2020. "A Sustainable Approach to the Low-Cost Recycling of Waste Glass Fibres Composites towards Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Majewski, Peter & Florin, Nick & Jit, Joytishna & Stewart, Rodney A., 2022. "End-of-life policy considerations for wind turbine blades," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    3. Jensen, J.P. & Skelton, K., 2018. "Wind turbine blade recycling: Experiences, challenges and possibilities in a circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 165-176.
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    1. Cheng, Leilei & Chen, Ruizhe & Yang, Jialiang & Chen, Xueru & Yan, Xinyu & Gu, Jing & Liu, Zejian & Yuan, Haoran & Chen, Yong, 2025. "Mechanisms, technical optimization, and perspectives in the recycling and reprocessing of waste wind turbine blades: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    2. Song, Jie & Liu, Shanjian & Yang, Chunzhen & Yao, Jingang & Song, Xiaoyu & Qian, Qingqing, 2026. "Effect of activated carbon assisted microwave pyrolysis parameters on phenol-rich oil from decommissioned wind turbine blades," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    3. Wu, Weiwei & Li, Huanyu & Zhao, Jitong & Meng, Yanran & Yang, Wenrui & Lu, Jian-Xin & Thomas, Carlos & Poon, Chi Sun, 2026. "Advances in low-carbon concrete performance through glass fiber integration: Mechanisms and recycling innovation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PB).
    4. Natalia Cieślewicz & Krzysztof Pilarski & Agnieszka A. Pilarska, 2025. "End-of-Life Strategies for Wind Turbines: Blade Recycling, Second-Life Applications, and Circular Economy Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Jianling Li & Juan He & Zihan Xu, 2025. "Sustainability and Material Flow Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Recycling in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-30, May.

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