Circular Value Chains in the European Wind Turbine Industry: Reuse and Refurbishment

The wind energy sector is rapidly expanding to meet renewable energy targets, but the end-of-life stages of wind turbines pose significant environmental challenges. With many turbines nearing decommissioning, circular strategies like reuse and refurbishment offer promising solutions to minimize waste and extend lifespans. However, practical understanding and conceptual clarity regarding these strategies are lacking. This study maps the value chains for wind turbine and component reuse and refurbishment in Europe, based on interviews with 10 industry professionals. It reveals two distinct value chains, highlighting their implementation and differences. The findings enhance understanding of circular practices and offer insights for stakeholders to improve sustainability and explore circular business opportunities. Additionally, the study identifies a market shift from trading entire turbines to components, emphasizing component-level interventions for lifetime extension. Future research should explore this trend’s extent, drivers, and policy incentives to further adoption.