Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbine Decommissioning
Last updated: 4 April 2026
What Happens to Old Wind Turbine Full System (Oem-Specific)s?
Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 02 April 2026
Currently, decommissioned Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbines face either recycling, repurposing, or disposal in landfills. Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbine Decommissioning The decision depends on the recyclability of individual components and local regulations.
Siemens Gamesa has implemented various strategies to ensure that old wind turbines don't end up in landfills. These include innovative recycling technologies like RecyclableBlade. Which uses thermoplastic resin for blades, allowing them to be chemically recycled into new products. Repurposing options also exist, such as converting decommissioned blades into construction materials or using the steel and concrete from towers for other infrastructure projects.
According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.
How Are Wind Turbine Full System (Oem-Specific)s Recycled?
Wind turbines are dismantled following a specific protocol that involves separating components for recycling. For Siemens Gamesa's SG14-222 DD wind turbine, blades made of thermoplastic resin can be recycled into new materials using chemical processes developed by the company. The steel tower and direct-drive generator with rare earth magnets are also recovered and processed through partnerships with recycling firms like Stena Recycling.
Siemens Gamesa launched RecyclableBlade technology in 2021, which uses a thermoplastic resin that enables blades to be ground down into pellets for reuse. Additionally, Siemens Gamesa works closely with Stena Recycling to ensure proper disposal of non-recyclable materials and the recovery of valuable metals.
According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.
What Does Wind Turbine Decommissioning Cost?
Decommissioning an offshore wind turbine costs between $250,000 and $1,000,000 per unit. These expenses cover dismantling, transportation, recycling, and compliance with environmental regulations such as the OSPAR Convention.
The cost varies based on several factors including the size of the turbine, location (offshore decommissioning is more expensive), and the specific materials used in construction. For example, larger turbines like the SG14-222 DD have a higher decommissioning price due to their extensive use of rare earth magnets.
According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.
What Materials Are Recovered?
During the recycling process, Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbine Decommissioning recovers multiple types of materials:
- Fiberglass and carbon fiber blades: These are ground down using RecyclableBlade technology into pellets that can be used for making new components.
- Steel tower: The steel is recycled and reused in construction projects or manufacturing processes.
- Direct-drive generator (rare earth magnets): Rare earth metals are critical materials and require careful handling to recover them efficiently. They're often sent to specialized recycling facilities.
- Concrete foundation: Crushed concrete can be used for road base or other infrastructure needs.
Each material has different recovery methods, with blades being processed through chemical breakdowns while steel and rare earth magnets go through mechanical separation techniques.
Regulations on Wind Turbine Waste
Regulations such as the OSPAR Convention and EU WEEE Directive govern how Siemens Gamesa handles decommissioned wind turbines. The OSPAR Convention mandates specific protocols for offshore removal to prevent environmental harm, whereas EU WEEE ensures proper disposal of electrical waste including wind turbine components.
Siemens Gamesa has made a commitment through its recyclable blade pledge to ensure that all SG14-222 DD blades are fully recyclable from the factory. This initiative aims at reducing the ecological footprint associated with decommissioning and promoting sustainability in wind energy.
The Wind Waste Problem
By 2025, Siemens Gamesa expects to have installed over 3,000 offshore turbines globally. As these turbines reach their end of life after an average lifespan of 25-30 years, the volume of decommissioned units will increase significantly. Proper recycling and repurposing strategies are important to manage this waste stream sustainably.
Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbine Decommissioning's focus on recycling technologies like RecyclableBlade and partnerships with specialized recyclers such as Stena Recycling demonstrates its commitment to reducing waste from wind turbine decommissioning. These initiatives help mitigate the environmental impact of large-scale installations and support a circular economy approach in renewable energy sectors.
Sources
- WHO
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wind turbine full system (OEM-specific)s be recycled?
Yes, though methods vary. Current options include RecyclableBlade technology (launched 2021, thermoplastic resin allows chemical recycling), Partnership with Stena Recycling. Steel and copper components are highly recyclable (95%+). Composite blades are the hardest part to recycle, but new technologies are emerging.
How much does wind turbine decommissioning cost?
Full turbine decommissioning costs $250,000-1,000,000 per offshore turbine. Costs depend on turbine size, site access, crane availability, and whether the foundation is removed or left in place.
Do wind turbine blades end up in landfill?
Some do, particularly in the US where no federal ban exists. An estimated 8,000 blades per year are landfilled in the US. Germany, Netherlands, and Finland banned blade landfilling from 2025. Recycling alternatives are scaling up.
What are wind turbine blades made of?
Most blades use fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin, with a balsa wood or foam core. Newer, longer blades (60m+) use carbon fiber spar caps for added stiffness. The composite construction is what makes recycling difficult.