LM Wind Power, a GE Renewable Energy business is advancing sustainable solutions to unlock the value in waste. Nearly 20% of the materials purchased for blade manufacturing do not end up in the finished product. Additionally, according to research, the volume of waste from blade manufacturing is predicted to exceed that of end-of-life blades in the ensuing decades.

To tackle these challenges, LM Wind Power is designing out the waste from blades. Through our commitment to make  Zero Waste Blades by 2030 we are exploring new ways to reduce, recycle and reuse manufacturing waste and developing a circular economy for all excess materials from manufacturing. This means that by 2030, we will not send any materials or packaging to landfill or incineration without energy recovery.

Traditionally non-recyclable waste such as Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) waste, resin & glue, spent solvents, etc., are disposed of through incineration. While the process generates heat that can be used for heating homes and can even generate power through steam turbines, incineration does not necessarily promote recycling and reduction in waste.

To find sustainable alternatives to incineration, the team in India collaborated with Bangalore University to study how FRP waste can work as an additive in concrete cement used in the construction industry. Their analysis showed that by adding FRP waste, the mechanical properties of concrete cement are enhanced by over 10%. After receiving regulatory approvals, FRP waste is now being reused for construction purposes. Inside its Dabaspet plant, a 3000-meter long road is constructed using FRP waste. Additionally, resin and glue waste are being used as an alternative fuel in the tile manufacturing industry. When mixed with coal and fed into a reactor, the combined mixture converts into ash that is used in making tiles.