Towards Sustainable End-of-Life Management of Wind Turbine Blades Through Circular Economy Strategies: The Case Study of Indonesian Wind Farms

Abstract

Indonesia’s transition to renewable energy, highlighted by the operation of Sidrap and Tolo 1 wind farms, faces a significant challenge: managing the end-of-life of wind turbine blades. These blades, primarily composed of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), are challenging to recycle due to their composite structure. A circular economy framework must be developed to address this issue, focusing on material recirculation and waste reduction. This study explores upcycling strategies as a core component of the framework, aiming to repurpose decommissioned blades into functional products while minimising environmental impact. Using secondary data and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), three upcycling scenarios are assessed: turning blades into pedestrian bridges, housing foundations, and fishing vessels. Each scenario shows considerable potential for reducing CO2 emissions by replacing traditional materials like steel, concrete, and wood with repurposed blade components. The results highlight the practicality and environmental advantages of applying circular economy principles to Indonesia’s wind energy sector. Developing a strong framework for blade upcycling not only encourages sustainable infrastructure but also strengthens Indonesia’s dedication to renewable energy systems. This approach provides a scalable model for other regions encountering similar challenges in renewable energy waste management.The system boundaries are limited to the material substitution phase and exclude upstream and downstream processes such as blade cutting, transportation, installation, and maintenance. This simplification is intended to isolate the environmental benefits of material replacement and align with similar comparative studies. However, it is acknowledged that these excluded processes, especially for large, heavy blade sections, can contribute significantly to the overall environmental impact. Their omission represents a limitation of this study and may lead to an underestimation of total emissions. Future research should incorporate these phases for a more comprehensive assessment.