China will develop a renewable energy recycling plan

China will create a new recycling system for decommissioned wind turbines and photovoltaic modules. Many such systems in China are approaching the end of their lifecycle. By 2030, over 1.5 million tons of photovoltaic modules will need to undergo recycling.

By 2040, China will have to decommission 250 GW of photovoltaic modules and 280 GW of wind turbines. If such quantities were to end up in landfills, it could contaminate soil and groundwater, and incineration would release significant amounts of greenhouse gases and toxic substances.

New rules and challenges

Several Chinese institutions, including the National Development and Reform Commission, will develop new rules and standards for the dismantling and recycling of wind and photovoltaic installations. The goal will be to establish a mature recycling system for wind turbines and solar panels by 2030.

The biggest challenge will be that early generations of renewable energy devices were not designed with the same emphasis on sustainable development as those produced in recent years. Recycling key components, such as the blades of old turbines, will require unconventional technological approaches.

Initial Actions

Companies in the renewable energy industry are increasingly focusing on sustainable solutions. A Chinese wind turbine manufacturer – OEM – recently presented large-format blades made almost entirely from recycled materials.

Not only China is looking towards recyclable components. RWE recently equipped two offshore wind farms with such elements (in the UK and the German North Sea).

The largest Danish offshore wind farm will be equipped with turbine blades that may be recycled in the future. The components were produced by Siemens Gamesa.