Repurposing decommissioned wind turbine blades: A circular economy approach to sustainable resource management and infrastructure innovation

Abstract

Wind energy's rapid growth has led to a significant challenge with decommissioned wind turbine blades (DWTBs), whose complex composite materials are difficult to recycle, and these DWTBs often end up in landfills. This paper proposes a sustainable solution by repurposing DWTBs as structural components for Highway Overhead Sign Structures (OSSs). The high strength-to-weight ratio and durability of DWTBs offer substantial economic, environmental, and structural benefits. Economic analysis shows a 73 % reduction in raw material costs for OSS, with significant savings in steel and concrete. Environmentally, repurposing DWTBs will reduce CO₂ emissions by 242 tons per 40-foot span structure, supporting global net-zero goals. The feasibility is validated through technical assessments, design adaptations, regulatory considerations, and experimental demonstration. By integrating DWTBs into infrastructure projects, this study advances circular economy practices and provides a viable solution for managing wind turbine blade waste, conservation of resources, and ultimately contributing to sustainable infrastructure development.