It is important prior to the wide scale deployment of tidal turbine technology that a strategy is developed for how circular economy principles can be applied to the sector.

Composite material presents recycling challenges. As such, the project is carrying out a thorough review of the current recycling capabilities and options for the composite blade sector, including what innovations with regard to materials, processes and design can be expected in coming years.

At a technical level, a range of tests are being applied to more recyclable thermoplastic materials, to understand their properties better for use in tidal turbine blades in the aspiration that that sector can make a transition to utilising more recyclable materials.

With respect to GHG emissions, a lifecycle carbon analysis of the current tidal turbine blade has been developed. Opportunities for reducing the GHG emissions associated with the manufacturing process of the updated blade design and the wider blade lifecycle will be assessed.

Following these activities, a circular economy roadmap for tidal turbine blades will be developed. This is being led by the University of Edinburgh and the European Composite Industry Association (EuCIA).

Research in applying circular economy principles to composite materials is a very active area of research and very pressing giving the large expansion also envisaged in the offshore wind sector.

We welcome interest in potential collaborations, including around exploring potential synergies in recycling or reuse options and facilities.

Contact

James Murray
Project Manager
j.murray@orbitalmarine.com