Project Factsheet

Project ambition

The main ambition of the ECORES WIND project is to develop innovative circular resin systems for composite structures used in wind energy applications. These resins are designed to enhance circularity, reduce environmental impact, and improve the lifespan of wind turbine components, particularly blades. By focusing on recyclable, repairable, and remanufacturable resin systems, ECORES WIND aims to support sustainable wind energy generation through the development of materials that align with circular economy principles.

Key challenge

The key challenge for ECORES WIND is to develop resin systems that are not only compatible with current manufacturing processes but also enable easier recycling, repair, and reuse of wind turbine components. Traditional thermoset resins used in wind turbines are difficult to recycle, often ending up in landfills. ECORES WIND tackles this issue by developing next-generation resin systems that allow efficient recovery of both fibre and resin materials. By creating sustainable, circular resins, the project addresses the increasing need for environmentally friendly materials in the renewable energy sector.

Project structure

The ECORES WIND project is structured around four main components:

  • Component 1: Development of novel circular resin systems such as acrylic, bio-based epoxy, and depolymerizable closed-loop epoxy (DCLE).
  • Component 2: Life prediction and performance validation of the circular resin systems through advanced simulation and testing.
  • Component 3: Development of decommissioning and disassembly strategies using reversible bonding systems, enabling easy separation of materials for recycling.
  • Component 4: End-of-life strategies, including reshaping for secondary applications, injection molding for 2nd life products, and chemical recycling for complete material recovery.

Main objectives

  • Development and validation of recyclable, repairable, and remanufacturable resin systems for wind turbine blades and other components.
  • Introduction of reversible adhesives and life prediction techniques to facilitate disassembly and decommissioning of wind turbines.
  • Integration of advanced digital tools to assess the circularity, environmental, and economic performance of these new materials.
  • Demonstration of real-world applications through physical demonstrators and pilot projects, proving the feasibility of the circular resin systems.
  • Collaboration with industry partners and educational organizations to create digital learning resources, including MOOCs and serious games, for future workforce training.

Market

The demand for sustainable materials in the wind energy sector is growing as environmental regulations tighten and renewable energy capacity expands. The project targets the wind energy market, which continues to grow across Europe and globally. The ECORES WIND resin systems are expected to contribute to significant cost reductions by enabling the reuse of materials, supporting industry transition to circular economy practices. With a focus on scaling up to industrial applications, ECORES WIND aims to influence the future of wind turbine manufacturing, reducing material waste and increasing recyclability.

Target sectors

  1. Wind energy industry
  2. Automotive industry
  3. Aerospace industry
  4. Transportation industry
  5. Consumer goods industry
  6. Industrial coatings industry

 Target groups

  • European SMEs (end-users and technology providers)
  • Wind turbine component manufacturers
  • Composite material and resin suppliers
  • Designers and engineers focused on sustainable materials
  • Public and regulatory bodies

Impact

  • Economic: ECORES WIND is expected to deliver significant cost savings by enabling the reuse of glass and carbon fibers, leading to lower raw material costs. 
  • Societal: Creation of new jobs in knowledge-intensive sectors such as renewable energy and material science.
  • Environmental: Reduction of waste through the minimization of landfilling and increased recycling of composite materials. 
  • Scientific: Breakthroughs in sustainable material science, including new methods for recycling and repurposing composite materials, and the development of digital tools for circular economy practices.

The Consortium

Academic partners and research organizations: GAIKER, CSIC, Politecnico di Milano, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Oxford Brookes University

Technology providers: FIDAMC, ONYRIQ, RESCOLL, Msquare

End users: High Performance Composites (HPC), A-Plas, INPRE Composites

Dissemination and exploitation experts: META Circularity (MCIR)

To learn more about partners click here.