Iberdrola has awarded EnergyLoop the contract to recycle wind turbine blades and manage component waste from two key wind farms in Spain: Isabela and Molar de Molinar. These two wind farms are the first to undergo repowering in Iberdrola’s extensive Spanish portfolio. The project will involve dismantling a total of 139 wind turbines, which will produce 417 blades weighing more than 800 tons. The blade recycling process is part of Iberdrola’s broader sustainability strategy and commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of renewable energy generation.
EnergyLoop, a joint venture formed in 2022, is the result of a partnership between Iberdrola Ventures Perseo and FCC Ámbito, a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, which specializes in integrated waste management. The venture aims to lead the recycling of wind turbine blades on an industrial scale in Spain and Portugal, establishing a pioneering recycling facility. EnergyLoop’s plant, located in Navarra, is expected to begin operations in early 2025. However, the company is already equipped with the necessary infrastructure and permits to begin receiving and collecting the dismantled turbine blades as soon as they are available.
The significance of this contract lies not just in the dismantling of the wind turbines, but also in the management of the waste produced during this process, particularly the wind turbine blades, which present a significant environmental challenge. Traditional methods of disposal, such as landfilling or incineration, are not considered environmentally sustainable, which is why recycling these blades is a priority for Iberdrola. The company has set ambitious targets as part of its Circular Economy Plan, aiming to recycle 50% of the blades from dismantled wind turbines and solar panels by 2025, with a goal of reaching 100% recycling by 2030. This commitment aligns with Iberdrola’s ongoing efforts to promote the efficient use of resources, reduce environmental impact, and create value through innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector.
The process of wind turbine blade recycling is complex. The blades are made from composite materials that are difficult to recycle using traditional methods. To address this challenge, EnergyLoop is focused on developing advanced technologies to recycle these materials in an environmentally friendly and economically viable way. The Navarra facility is designed to handle the large volume of blades from wind turbines, and the company is already working on establishing a robust system to manage the collection, transport, and recycling of the blades.
Iberdrola’s decision to repower the Isabela and Molar de Molinar wind farms is part of a broader effort to increase the efficiency and capacity of its wind power infrastructure. Repowering involves replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models, which helps to boost the overall output of the wind farms without the need for additional land. This is particularly important in regions like Spain, where space for new renewable energy projects can be limited. Repowering also helps to extend the lifespan of wind farms while reducing their environmental impact, as older turbines are replaced with more efficient and sustainable technology.
The collaboration with EnergyLoop is a key component of Iberdrola’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. By recycling wind turbine blades, Iberdrola not only addresses the growing challenge of waste management in the wind power industry but also contributes to the development of a circular economy where resources are reused, and waste is minimized. The company’s investment in renewable energy recycling technologies also creates new business opportunities and promotes innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Furthermore, the project is expected to have significant economic and employment benefits. The recycling process will create jobs in the local area, particularly in the Navarra region, where the recycling plant is located. As the plant begins operations, it will provide additional employment opportunities in areas such as logistics, recycling technology development, and waste management.
Overall, the partnership between Iberdrola and EnergyLoop is a step forward in advancing the sustainability of the renewable energy industry, addressing the challenges of waste management, and helping Iberdrola meet its ambitious environmental goals. With the repowering of the Isabela and Molar de Molinar wind farms and the recycling of turbine blades, Iberdrola is demonstrating its commitment to both renewable energy generation and environmental stewardship, while also contributing to Spain’s broader goals for a circular economy and sustainable development.
