Title: A Techno-Economic Analysis of End-of-Life Wind Turbine Blade Processing and Dispositioning to Assess Large-Scale Glass Fiber–Thermoset Composite End-of-Life Cost Drivers

Authors: Mitchell Rencheck

DOI:

Abstract: End-of-life (EOL) management of large-scale glass fiber–reinforced thermoset composites remains a critical challenge across multiple industries, mostly realized today in the wind industry through wind turbine blades (WTBs), but applicable to the marine industry and other applications as well. WTBs, due to their size, material complexity, and end of life management relevance today, provide a representative case for understanding the techno-economic drivers of large scale glass fiber (GF) – thermoset composite dispositioning. This study presents a baseline through a techno-economic analysis (TEA) of five practical scenarios for in-field processing and transportation of WTBs to either landfills or recycling facilities that would serve as common practice for EOL management of other large scale GF – thermoset composites. Costs are categorized into operational, tipping fees, and transportation, with best- and worst-case ranges identified to capture variability in logistics and service models. Findings reveal that transportation distance, packing efficiency, and tipping fees dominate overall costs, while on-site shredding offers potential savings through improved logistics. By identifying these cost drivers, the TEA informs decision-making for WTB EOL strategies and provides a framework for scaling insights to other large composite structures, enabling emerging recycling technologies to remain cost-competitive and compatible with current practices, and supporting sustainable disposition pathways.

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Conference: SAMPE 2026

Publication Date: 2026/04/27

SKU: 62

Pages: 12

Price: $24.00