#China #Renewable Energy #wind turbine #CRRC #Sheyang

CRRC Completes Production of a 110-Meter Recyclable Wind Turbine Blade

Introduction
CRRC Corporation Limited has recently announced a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy by successfully completing the production of a 110-meter recyclable wind turbine blade. Developed in Sheyang, Jiangsu Province, this cutting-edge turbine blade is designed with a focus on efficient material recovery, achieving an impressive rate of over 95% for key raw materials. This development marks a crucial step towards the commercial recycling of ultra-large wind turbine blades and provides a viable solution for managing blades that reach the end of their operational life.

Significance of the Development
As China accelerates its renewable energy investments, the demand for dismantling and waste disposal of outdated wind turbine components is growing. With expectations that both onshore and offshore wind installations in China will surpass 470 GW in the coming years, the increasing number of turbines nearing the end of their lifespan presents a considerable challenge. Industry estimates indicate that by 2030, more than 30,000 wind turbines will be retired, generating approximately 947,900 metric tons of waste. Therefore, recovering and reusing materials from retired turbine blades is now a critical challenge across the sector.

Innovative Technology
The newly produced blade exemplifies a major leap in both material science and recycling technology. This groundbreaking blade employs a recyclable material system focused on a removable and highly efficient infusion resin. Not only does it meet stringent performance requirements for durability, stiffness, and fatigue life, but it also incorporates reversible chemical unbonding technology. This feature facilitates the efficient separation of the resin from the reinforcing fibers. Once recovered, these materials, including resin and fibers, can be repurposed in various high-value applications across industries such as wind power, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Sustainability Goals
The recyclable blade system ensures that clients can meet international sustainability targets and reporting requirements, including those outlined in the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It is particularly suited for high-capacity offshore wind turbines, offering a mix of safety, environmental performance, and economic efficiencies. Together, these advantages solidify CRRC's competitiveness as it introduces marine wind markets to international platforms and contends within the global renewable energy sector.

Continued Investment in Circular Technologies
CRRC is committed to its investments in circular technologies for the wind energy industry. In March 2025, the company developed China's first recyclable thermoset resin wind turbine blade, TMT82. This innovative resin system, based on reversible chemical bonds, allows for efficient depolymerization and separation of resin and fibers while maintaining the mechanical performance of conventional blades, thus overcoming a key technical barrier to blade material recycling.

Furthermore, in April 2025, CRRC launched China’s first mobile, intelligent high-efficiency processing system for decommissioned wind turbine blades, creating a “smart mobile recycling factory.” This system utilizes a dual-mode processing model that combines distributed and centralized operations, overcoming the geographical limitations of traditional fixed facilities. As a result, challenges associated with the transportation and disposal of retired blades are significantly reduced, enabling large-scale processing that exceeds applicable national standards and establishing a new paradigm for the large-scale recovery and reuse of thermoset composites used in wind turbines.

Conclusion
As CRRC continues to innovate and lead the way in sustainable energy solutions, the completion of the 110-meter recyclable wind turbine blade stands out as a remarkable achievement. This project not only demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental responsibility but also provides a roadmap for the future of wind energy management and material recovery.