This circularity market analysis arose from SSE Renewables (SSER) working with University of Strathclyde (UoS) and Renewable Parts (RPL) to progress the case for circularity in wind energy. Circularity represents a major economic opportunity, and is seeking to bring together the sector to join forces and unlock this economic potential. This report by BVG Associates was commissioned by SSER to support this ongoing initiative.
There is a significant commercial opportunity to establish a circular supply chain in the UK for the wind industry. This opportunity is supported by a large home market with a relatively secure future and is boosted by a significant European export opportunity, which provides an opportunity of at least six times that of the UK market.
Measuring environmental impact using the metric “avoided waste to scrap”, our circularity market analysis estimates that 806,978 tonnes of waste to scrap could be avoided from 2025 to 2035, with most of this coming from the onshore turbines in the 1 to 5 MW class.
These figures in this circularity market analysis include only those parts refurbished during their operational life. The timing is right for the UK to become a major player and front-runner in the nascent wind turbine component circularity market.
The window of opportunity will close as industry in general catches up with the wider political and social landscape, and we expect circularity to become a commercial imperative in the foreseeable future. The early adopter advantage will be lost if the UK is not proactive in terms of developing the opportunity