3. End-of-Life Treatment
Turbine blades are made from tough composites that are hard to recycle. Most are landfilled, which isn't sustainable. New solutions include repurposing blades for cement and recyclable designs, but innovation and industry collaboration are needed.
Turbine blades are made from tough composites that are hard to recycle. Most are landfilled, which isn't sustainable. New solutions include repurposing blades for cement and recyclable designs, but innovation and industry collaboration are needed.
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Everyone is worried about critical minerals. Modern turbines rely on rare earths, which are geopolitically sensitive and hard to recycle. Supply risks are growing, but recycling technologies and alternative designs offer hope.
We look at another four areas:
5. land governance and tenure security
6. local monetary costs and benefits
7. landscape impacts
8. local health impacts
Wind energy development can risk marginalising traditional land users, particularly in vulnerable and Indigenous communities. "Green grabbing" can worsen inequality. Participatory planning and legal protections are essential to ensure fair outcomes.
Wind turbines can lower (or raise) nearby property values and lower (or raise) tourism. Impacts are mixed, and perceptions shape outcomes. Engaging communities early and fair compensation can help build acceptance for renewable energy projects.
Wind turbines alter the visual character of landscapes, often sparking local opposition. Again, proper consultation with communities and participatory planning are key to preserving aesthetic and cultural values.
Noise and shadow flicker can annoy people living near wind farms. Health effects remain highly debated, but proper planning and noise thresholds can mitigate disturbances and minimise disturbance in populated areas.
The famous "marshmallow test" for toddlers comes to mind.
One problem with wind farms is the overproduction of energy when the wind blows and the lack of production when it doesn't. While nothing can be done about the latter, the former can be addressed in two different ways.
I don't know whether it has moved forward since the original announcement in 2023.
https://www.siemensgamesa.com/global/en/home/explore/journal/recyclable-blade.html