On the 8th of February 2024, the CETEC project was bestowed with the coveted JEC Award for their innovative technology to recycle wind turbine blades. This technology, developed in collaboration between Aarhus University and partners, signifies a breakthrough in the green transition of the wind energy sector.

"It is an honour to receive the JEC Award. This recognition is a testament to our contribution towards creating a more sustainable future," says Professor Troels Skrydstrup, who leads the part of the development team based at Aarhus University.

The technology, which chemically separates the epoxy in the wind turbine blades to their fundamental chemical state, solves a longstanding challenge in the recycling of composite materials. The technology, which is to be scaled up in the coming years, can be applied not just to future wind turbine blades but also to existing ones. This offers hope for a new life for the thousands of wind turbine blades that reach the end of their life each year.

The JEC Award is given annually to recognise the most innovative projects within composite materials, spanning various industries. With the success of the CETEC project, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between industry and academic research institutions is emphasised.

"This award is also a reminder of the limitless potential that innovation partnerships hold for the future of composite materials. On the complex journey towards circularity, none of us would have come as far as we have on our own. But together, we can push the boundaries and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient industry," stated Allan K. Poulsen, Head of Advanced Structures and Sustainability at Vestas, in connection with the award ceremony.

The CETEC project's results have previously gained recognition, including an article in the journal Nature and as the recipient of the Plastprisen 2023.

CETEC (Circular Economy for Thermosets Epoxy Composites) is partially funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark and is a collaboration between Vestas, Aarhus University, Olin, and the Danish Technological Institute. The further scaling up is being carried out in collaboration between Vestas, Olin, and Stena Recycling.

Thank you also to the Carlsberg Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation for financially supporting the work of Troels Skrydstrup's research group.

Read more about the JEC Awards here.