Partners: University of Galway & ÉireComposites
Funding: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland €455,000 over the course of 36 months.
Disclaimer: “This project is being supported with financial contribution from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the SEAI National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2023, Grant number 23/RDD/1006.”
Overview of the SustaBlade Project
The SustaBlade project is set to transform the wind energy sector by addressing the recyclability challenges of conventional wind turbine blades. This initiative aims to develop sustainable manufacturing solutions, particularly for the expanding offshore wind energy market. The project has won over €455,000 in funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the esteemed National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Funding Programme.
Sustainable Manufacturing for Offshore Wind Energy
Ireland’s target of securing 3GW of offshore energy capacity underscores the need for innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of future wind farms. The SustaBlade project focuses on improving blade recyclability and integrating circular materials into the supply chain. The project will analyse, design, manufacture, and test full-scale wind turbine blades using novel sustainable materials.
Project Consortium
ÉireComposites (ÉC) is a composite design, manufacture and testing company, with extensive experience in the production of commercial wind turbine components and energy sector innovation. This SME is leading SustaBlade, in collaboration with University of Galway (UGalway), a third-level education institution housing a Sustainable & Resilient Structures Research Group and offering expertise in blade design and demonstrator-level testing. ÉC is responsible for manufacturing test panels and wind turbine blade demonstrators, alongside a comprehensive material characterization campaign. UGalway’s role includes assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of these sustainable materials in blade construction.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits
SustaBlade promises to deliver substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits. It aims to reduce costs and waste for wind farm operators, supporting the sustainable decarbonization of the energy system. By enabling end-of-life solutions for wind turbine blades, the project will help minimize waste and carbon emissions, aligning with Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon society. The initiative also supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Ireland’s Research Priority Areas for 2018-2023, particularly in Energy, Climate Action, and Sustainability.
Key Objectives of SustaBlade
- Design Efficient and Sustainable Blades: Using UGalway’s BladeComp software.
- Generate Mechanical Properties Data: For sustainable materials.
- De-risk Design: Through structural testing of full-scale wind turbine blades.
- Develop High-Volume Production: For blades manufacturing.
In summary, by focusing on sustainable materials and recyclability, the SustaBlade project aims to revolutionize wind turbine blade manufacturing, contributing significantly to the environmental sustainability of offshore wind energy and supporting Ireland’s renewable energy goals.
To learn more about ÉireComposites’ experience in wind turbine blade manufacturing, as well as other renewable energy projects, have a look here
