Genesal Energy promotes sustainability in wind farms with a mobile generator set for the recycling of turbine blades.

The energy transition and the fight against climate change have boosted the development of wind energy, making it one of the main renewable sources worldwide. However, this progress brings with it a significant challenge: the efficient recycling of wind turbine blades.

With an average lifespan of 20 years – extendable to 25 with proper maintenance – most components of a wind turbine are recyclable. However, blades present a unique challenge due to the composite materials used in their manufacture: glass & carbon fibre and resins. These materials are complex to separate, which raises costs and makes large-scale recycling difficult.

Genesal Energy has taken a step forward in search of sustainable solutions to this challenge. In collaboration with GDES Wind – a company specialised in the maintenance and inspection of blades in wind farms – we designed and installed a 45 kVA mobile generator set to power a machine specialised in the recycling of wind turbine blades. This equipment cuts the blades using diamond wire, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. The pieces are then efficiently treated as waste, generating mortar or useful pieces for new applications such as planters, canopies or pieces of furniture.

With this project, Genesal Energy reinforces its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

This genset – which complies with Stage V emissions standards – not only ensures a low environmental impact but also provides autonomy of up to 35 hours at 100% load thanks to its 350-litre tank. It is also equipped with a socket panel to power auxiliary tools, extending its functionality and operational efficiency.

A growing challenge in the wind power industry

Although most blades are currently reused in repowering processes or converted into architectural structures such as bridges or bicycle racks, this strategy will not be sufficient in the long term. According to WindEurope, up to 5,700 wind turbines per year will be dismantled in Europe from 2030 onwards, which means an increasing volume of retired blades that will require innovative solutions for recycling.

Image 1: The trailer-mounted genset inside the customer’s warehouse.

The equipment designed by Genesal Energy to power the GDES Wind solution represents a key step in this direction, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and offering the wind sector an indispensable tool to sustainably manage the dismantling of wind turbines.

With this project, Genesal Energy reinforces its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. We continue working to make energy not only cleaner, but also more socially responsible.

Features

• Supply: 2600mm soundproofed canopy on trailer.
• Stage V emissions-compliant engine.
• 350L base frame inserted fuel tank.
• Control panel: ComAp AMF 25 InteliLite4.
• Socket panel.