Technological watch

Swancor and Siemens Gamesa recently announced a strategic collaboration on recyclable wind turbine blades with the intention of utilizing Swancorâ??s recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin EzCiclo. The companies are committed to supplying their customers with environmentally friendly products and recycling solutions as they strive for a green circular economy and hit ESG milestones for carbon neutrality and new materials innovation.

Swancor has been involved in the research and development of recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin since 2015, and the result of that research is currently undergoing the supplier qualification process with Siemens Gamesa. The recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin EzCiclo and degradation liquid CleaVER are being investigated with the goal of eventual use by Siemens Gamesa. This combination would allow the components of the wind turbine blades to be recovered and recycled after the blades are decommissioned. The recovered materials, resins, and glass fibers can be used in other applications. The recycling process does not produce waste solvents and waste gas, and has a low-carbon footprint, which solves environmental challenges that arise from landfill disposal or incineration. This initiative is aimed at reaching the goal of fully recyclable wind turbine blades.

â??Our goal is to provide customers with fully recyclable solutions for the components of wind turbines. Through the cooperation with Swancor, the recyclable blade resin technology allows the blade resin, glass fiber, and carbon fiber to be recycled and reused. We aim at creating a sustainable blade resin life cycle which will become a strong steppingstone for Taiwan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,â? said Niels Steenberg, general manager of Siemens Gamesa Offshore for Asia-Pacific.

Learn more at www.swancor.com and www.siemensgamesa.com.