Circularity

The concept of circularity, or circular economy, involves extending material and energy flows by turning outflows of resources, such as waste and waste energy, into inflows of resources for another function or process. We work with the industry to achieve a circular economy for all material and strive for zero waste. 

Waste is generated throughout the life time of our projects which is why we need to work together with the industry to achieve circular material flows. OX2 participates in several industry organizations and initiatives that aim to promote the transition to a circular economy.

Circularity forums in which OX2 participated in 2023:
• WindEurope’s sustainability and supply chain working groups
• SolarPower Europe sustainability working group
• RISE Rekovind Initiative
• The Swedish Wind Energy Association’s sustainability committee

The waste hierarchy 

The waste hierarchy provides guidance on how the industry should work towards zero waste. The purpose is to have as little waste go to landfill as possible.

To enable early steps of the waste hierarchy, waste prevention and preparation for re-use, manufacturers are focusing on eco-design which incorporates recyclability and dismantlability.

Recycling is one of the main focus areas since renewable energy projects contain large amount of materials with high recyclability, such as steel, and composites that are very difficult to recycle in an effective way on a large scale. There are several projects focusing on recycling technologies and processes, such as RISE Rekovind with focuses on wind blade recycling.

The last step of the waste hierarchy, landfill, is avoided through the industry commitment to have no wind turbine blades go to landfill from 2025.