Circularity in the wind industry: from theory to business strategy

The role of the wind industry in the global economy is fundamental. In the specific case of Spain, the recent Macroeconomic Study of the Impact of the Wind Energy Sector in Spain, prepared by the Spanish Wind Energy Business Association, confirms the ‘key role of wind energy as an economic engine’ and as the backbone of the country’s economic progress.

Wind energy occupies this central position not only because of its capacity to generate wealth, but also because it is a key element in the transition towards a green economy. Wind is an inexhaustible resource that produces energy in a clean and completely renewable way. Furthermore, wind energy can be integrated into the cycles of the circular economy, and firm steps are already being taken in this direction, with clear objectives defined by the industry itself.

The theory of circularity in the wind industry

Wind turbines are the cornerstone of circularity in this industry. According to WindEurope, 85-90% of the materials used in their construction are recyclable. In the near future, turbines are expected to become fully recyclable.

Some components, such as blades, already stand out as key vectors of the circular economy. These can have multiple uses after their initial useful life, serving as a source of raw materials that are reincorporated into the production cycle. In fact, the European wind industry itself has set targets to prevent blades from ending up in landfills.

At the same time, the industry faces a major challenge: wind turbines have a limited lifetime of 20-25 years. When this limit is reached, companies responsible for wind farms must decide what to do with obsolete equipment.

The practice: sustainable strategies in action

This is where green and sustainable strategies come into play. The first step is the repowering of wind farms, which involves replacing old wind turbines with new generation models. This improves efficiency and extends the lifetime of the infrastructure for another 25 years. In addition, new turbines usually require fewer units to reach – or even exceed – previous production levels.

Repowering is not only key to managing ageing wind farms, but also to meeting EU emission reduction targets, which require a doubling of wind generation capacity by 2030. However, according to WindEurope, much remains to be done: only 3% of repowering projects in Europe are registered in Spain, despite being the country with the second largest wind capacity on the continent.

The second step is recycling. Wind turbines should not end up as waste in landfills, as this would be a waste of valuable resources. Companies like EnergyLoop are working to prevent this by giving the blades a second life through recycling processes that transform them into raw materials for a wide variety of products: from playgrounds and noise barriers to wave attenuators, road surfaces and house roofs.

Conclusion

Thus, wind turbines are not only a source of clean energy, but also a driver of innovation, sustainability and green job creation. Circularity in the wind industry is not just a theoretical aspiration, but a tangible and necessary business strategy for a more sustainable future.