TRANSFORMING A RECYCLED WIND BLADE INTO A CUSTOM BUILT, HIGH-END BOAT
As boatbuilders here in Nova Scotia, it seemed like an exciting idea to recycle a wind blade and build a boat with the materials. We went to Denmark with the goal of getting a wind turbine blade from Siemens Gamesa. It would demonstrate a real world application with cross-industry partners - taking innovation beyond the bench.
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- Nick Bigeau, CTO Resolve Composites
Innovations within an Innovation
A NEW LIGHT ON REPURPOSING
LARGE-SCALE
RECYCLING
100% RECYCLED FIBREGLASS
MULTI-INDUSTRY CROSS-OVER
NOVEL RECYCLING PROCESS
Recycling of the largest scaled composite object as a single component.
Redefining the concept of repurposing composite feedstock as a new generation of manufacturing materials.
The first boat hull constructed using 100% recycled,
non-chopped uniderectional fibreglass sourced from a wind turbine blade.
Demonstration of a direct downstream between two large-scale composite products (Wind Energy Sector to Marine Industry).
Facilitated by a patent-pending innovative process, Resolve Composites Transformation Technology, known as ReceTT.
A PROJECT COMBINING THE INSIGHTS AND STRENGTHS OF MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES
The Second Wind Project showcases the potential of circular manufacturing and promoting advancements within the composite ecosystem. It addresses the challenge of developing effective recycling methods for large-scale composite materials. This project validates Siemens Gamesa's initial step towards recyclable composites through its RecyclableBlade technology, demonstrating that achieving circularity across various composite industries is entirely feasible.
THE MISSION
THE VALUE
The Second Wind Project inspired us to transform ambitious ideas into reality, turning innovative concepts into a groundbreaking invention secured by a filed PCT patent, which we have named Resolve Composites Transformation Technology, or ReceTT. By fostering industry partnerships and promoting a circular economy, The Second Wind Project highlights both the environmental and economic benefits of innovative recycling practices and sets a benchmark for replicable solutions across various industries.
A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CO2 EMISSIONS
ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURING BY REPURPOSING FIBREGLASS
The Second Wind Project successfully recovered 162 kg of fibreglass for reuse, resulting in an offset of 194.4kg of CO2 emissions associated with fiberglass manufacturing (1.2kg CO2eq/kg)*
*LCA on ReceTT is currently being conducted
The project successfully demonstrated that sustainable applications are not only feasible but also transformative. A number of environmental benefits should be noted; a significant reduction in green house gas emissions tied to fibreglass manufacturing, repurposing a product destined for the landfill. The project opens up new market opportunities by creating valuable, durable high-end products from recycled composites, and proving their downstream potential in alternative composite sectors.
THE OUTCOME
