Partners: ÉireComposites, University of Galway
Funding: This project is funded by the 2024 SEAI National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RDD) Funding Programme.
Project Background
The R3WIND project aims to design, develop, and demonstrate novel repair and recycling techniques using sustainable manufacturing processes. These processes will be suitable for application in both the onshore and offshore environments. During the R3WIND development, demonstrators will be manufactured, and full-scale structural testing performed. Prototype blades that incorporate the new repair methodology will also be assessed to further de-risk the technology.
Project Objectives
The proposed R3WIND project tackles urgent environmental concerns and opens new opportunities for cost-effective, efficient, and resilient wind energy generation by replacing old materials and processes with more efficient and sustainable materials and processes designed for a circular economy.
- Generate a blade design that incorporates disassembly and recyclability supporting transition towards sustainability.
- A comprehensive life cycle analysis of wind turbine blades will be performed giving valuable insights into their environmental impact across all stages of their life cycle, from raw material extraction, repair, and maintenance to end-of-life.
- Novel repair techniques will be developed which will reduce the downtime cost of the turbine and increase the efficiency.
- The test data generated to demonstrate the suitability of the selected material and repair technique will ensure the lifespans of the blades are increased by at least 20%.
Project Consortium
ÉireComposites Teo – an innovative design, manufacturing, and testing company, involved in lightweight, high-performance fibre-reinforced composite materials, with an international blue-chip customer base of over 70 companies in the aerospace and renewable energy sectors.
University of Galway – The Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (ASMME) group at the University of Galway focuses on developing advanced composite and polymer materials, along with advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
Expected Impacts
The R3WIND project aims to enhance wind turbine sustainability by developing easy-to-disassemble blades, along with innovative repair and recycling techniques. This will reduce material costs, waste management burdens, and provide economic benefits for wind farm operators, speeding up return on investment. R3WIND supports the decarbonisation of Ireland’s energy system, contributing to the Circular Economy Strategy and creating opportunities for new business models. By reducing waste from decommissioned blades, the project aligns with national and global sustainability goals, contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy targets and environmental improvement.
SDG’s
The project further aligns very well with several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, mainly:
- Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
To learn more about ÉireComposites’ expertise in renewable energy projects, have a look here:
