The world’s first reusable wind turbine blades are produced in Aalborg

The eyes of the global wind industry are focusing on Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s wing factory in Østhavnen, Aalborg. The factory, which employs 1,500 people daily and tests and develops some of the world’s largest wind turbine blades, is now the center for innovative future wind turbine production.

In early September, the wind group launched RecyclableBlades, the world’s first recyclable wind turbine blades for commercial use in the offshore industry. Siemens Gamesa will produce the turbine wings in Aalborg among other places. The factory has already produced the first six milestone-setting turbine wing products.

– Contributing to the green transition through the sale and production of wind turbines is, of course, our core business, but there must also be a focus on sustainability. Therefore, Siemens Gamesa does not only have initiatives for even more sustainable production but also for the circular aspect – with a specific focus on and wind turbine blades. That is also the reason why we collaborate with our suppliers to develop methods that ensure sustainable winding of wings, explains the factory director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Peter Birkegaard.

RecyclableBlades are produced the same way as regular turbine blades but with a new material that’s recyclable after they become obsolete. The recycling happens by efficiently separating the components that constitute up wind turbine blade. After this, the materials are used to create new products e.g., in the furniture industry.

– The wind industry – including offshore – is developing positively, which places high demand on our production capacity. This year, we already expanded our facilities by more than 18,000 m2 to support the production of our turbine wings, says Peter Birkegaard.

For Port of Aalborg – the logistical link between Siemens Gamesa’s wing factory and the rest of the world – it is important that the city of Aalborg plays a central role in the fast development of innovative solutions for the international wind sector.

– It’s with great pleasure to know Siemens Gamesa is not only an important partner but also a key player for the city of Aalborg through its development of new products. This strengthens Aalborg’s position as an essential hub in the wind industry. It also bolsters Aalborg’s brand as a pioneering green area, which helps attract new companies to the city, says Port of Aalborg’s CEO, Claus Holstein.