The drive to reduce the environmental impact of renewable energy has led Spain to undergo significant changes in industrial recycling. The sustainable management of waste generated by wind and solar energy has become a strategic issue involving both public institutions and leading companies in the sector.
In recent years, the dismantling of old facilities and the need for repowering have brought the issue of Wind turbine blade recycling and other components. This challenge demands innovative solutions, all under the auspices of the circular economy, where waste ceases to be a problem and is transformed into new, useful resources for various industries.
Spain and the race to recycle wind turbine blades
Over 28 GW of installed wind power, Spain stands out as one of the countries where the challenges of recycling or reusing renewable components are first raised. The recent inauguration in Navarra of the first plant dedicated specifically to the recycling of wind turbine blades Located in Cortes, the Iberian Peninsula responds to the urgent need to manage waste derived from the useful life of older wind farms.
The plant, promoted through collaboration between companies such as Iberdrola and FCC, It has the capacity to process up to 10.000 tons of blades per year.. It primarily utilizes materials such as fiberglass and resins, which are subsequently reincorporated into sectors as diverse as energy, aerospace, automotive, chemicals, textiles, and construction. Therefore, this recovery contributes to the energy transition and strengthens the circular economy model in Spain.
The launch of the project has meant a investment close to 10 million euros and it is estimated that it will generate about 100 jobs, both direct and indirect, over the next decade. Institutional support, both from the Government of Navarre and state agencies through subsidies and development programs, has been instrumental in turning this plant into a national benchmark.
Recycling and innovation to improve competitiveness
Sustainable waste management requires Cutting-edge technologies and processes adapted to the complexity of wind turbine bladesFrom pretreatment and on-site component conditioning to logistics and marketing of recycled materials, every step is designed to ensure maximum and efficient utilization.
According to industry data, the dismantling of approximately 5.700 wind turbines per year by 2030, due to both the repowering of parks and the end of the facilities' useful life. This generates a growing demand for new plants that not only seek to absorb these quantities, but also aspire to create a dynamic and sustainable value chain for the industry.
Material recovery not only prevents waste from ending up in landfills but also provides quality raw materials to other industries. This process strengthens the circular economy and encourages other sectors to adopt similar recycling models in renewable energy and other areas.
A European reference from Navarra
The location of the plant in Navarra is no coincidence, as the region has historically shown a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. Institutional support and the recognition of recycling as a strategic activity aligned with regional specialization have allowed the community to position itself at the forefront of the circular management of renewable components.
Navarra thus aspires to consolidate itself as a European benchmark, integrating local talent and collaboration between leading companiesThe project also has the support of institutions such as Sodena and financial backing from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings, through the Recycling and Circular Economy PERTE (Recycling and Circular Economy Program), which further strengthens the viability and future of recycling materials into renewable energy.
Social impact: green jobs and rural development
The implementation of recycling technologies not only responds to environmental criteria, but also to economic and social ones. These projects contribute to the creation of green jobs, they boost the industrial fabric and offer job opportunities in rural areas, traditionally less favored by large industrial developments.
The model aims to integrate the community and train specialized professionals, capable of face the technical and logistical challenges of a transforming industryCollaboration between industry, government, and society makes the ecosystem more sustainable and resilient.
Looking to the future: challenges and opportunities
The path towards fully circular management of renewable components is just beginning. Among the greatest challenges are the continuous improvement in recycling technologies, increasing the volume of materials processed and optimizing logistics systems.
On the other hand, sectoral collaboration, institutional support and innovation are essential for Spain to continue positioning itself as a international benchmark in recycling and circular economy in renewable energies.
The drive for recycling in renewable energy is already beginning to show visible results in environmental protection, industrial development, and the creation of quality employment. The experience in Navarre lays the foundation for a transition toward a more responsible, efficient, and sustainable model for the future.
