Photo: 춘성 강 | Pixabay
Wind turbines are a major source of renewable energy, but when they reach the end of their life span, the reinforced plastic and glass fiber materials used in their construction could turn into a major environmental hazard since they are not biodegradable. In Ireland, where 11,000 tons of blades are due to be de-commissioned by 2025, these blades are being tested by Cork University College to be used as the main structural element in a bridge across the Middleton-Younghal Greenway. Project Re-wind is exploring other options such as constructing electrical transmission towers, highway noise barriers, coastal wake breaks to decrease erosion and even reinforcement of concrete using these blades. Companies are also working to break down the composite material into base components to be used again for the construction of new blades.
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