Environment and material
This research theme exemplifies an integrated effort to advance wind turbine technology toward greater sustainability. Innovations in material substitution are reducing dependence on rare-earth elements by developing alternative magnet and motor designs. Development of non-fossil-based polymer composites blades targets reduced environmental initial footprint, while parallel progress in recycling and reuse methods aims to recover valuable materials from decommissioned turbines and manufacturing waste, all fostering a circular economy. In addition, comprehensive, scalable life cycle assessments provide essential insights into optimizing design, material selection, and recycling, thereby guiding sustainable manufacturing practices and policy decisions to support the global transition to low-carbon energy systems. This theme also includes environmental impact of wind power. A recently widely discussed topic is biodiversity and how wind farms affect this, in both positive and negative ways.
