In a bold move toward sustainability, Swedish wind energy giant Vattenfall has taken a decisive step in circular economy practices. Known for its commitment to offshore wind energy, Vattenfall had initially banned landfilling of wind turbine blades from its decommissioned farms in 2021. Now, the company has widened its scope, pledging to recycle not only the blades but also other critical components like permanent magnets, nacelle canopies, and nose cones.
“As of now, landfills will be prohibited, and by 2030, these parts must be fully recycled,” the company emphasized in its recent third-quarter report. This timeline underscores Vattenfall’s commitment to its zero-landfill target for these specific wind turbine components, aiming to drive environmental responsibility while setting industry standards for recycling practices.
In early September, Vattenfall announced it would strive for a “100 percent circular outflow” of permanent magnets from its wind farms starting in 2030. This focus on permanent magnets is significant. These magnets, essential in wind turbines, contain rare earth elements that are limited in supply and carry substantial environmental and geopolitical concerns. Vattenfall’s pledge makes it the first wind developer to lay out a concrete circular economy strategy for these elements, which are crucial to the functionality and efficiency of turbines.
“While substantial waste from wind turbines using permanent magnets isn’t anticipated until the mid-2030s, it is essential to proactively establish effective recycling processes,” the company noted in a September 5 press release. This forward-looking approach reflects the urgency of planning for future sustainability in the wind energy sector. Vattenfall’s initiative could prevent the need for mining new rare earth elements, which have both environmental and social ramifications, including pollution and geopolitical dependency.
To implement this ambitious circular economy framework, Vattenfall introduced a landfill ban for nacelle canopies and nose cones later in September, echoing the blade ban set in 2021. These components, traditionally composed of composite materials challenging to recycle, are now included in Vattenfall’s comprehensive recycling plan. This shift not only extends the company’s recycling obligations but also integrates the expanded targets into current and future wind farm decommissioning contracts, setting a precedent within the industry.
Eva Julius-Philipp, Director of Environment & Sustainability at Vattenfall BA Wind, remarked on the recent extension of the landfill ban. “Expanding our recycling target is a crucial step towards achieving a circular business by 2030,” she said. The company’s approach involves reusing, refurbishing, repurposing, or recycling all turbine composite materials. This not only prevents waste from being buried in landfills but also creates opportunities for these materials to find a second life in new applications, fueling the circular economy.
Three years ago, Vattenfall took its first steps by banning blade landfilling and setting a goal to recycle 50 percent of wind turbine blades by 2025, aiming to reach a full 100 percent by 2030. This journey reflects Vattenfall’s leadership in advancing sustainability initiatives in the wind energy sector. With the current expansion of its recycling mandate, the company sets a strong example in aligning its business model with environmental stewardship. Its proactive stance in managing composite and magnet waste signals a broader industry shift as circular economy goals become integral to the renewable energy landscape.
