Across the world, efforts are being made to slow the effects of climate change. For example, the Paris Agreement saw 194 parties signing to reduce global greenhouse emissions to try and keep temperature increases under 1.5°C.
We must strive towards renewable energy goals and a more circular economy to meet these goals.
Much of the world currently relies on a linear model in which things are made, used, and disposed of. A circular economy would significantly reduce waste and slow the use of limited world resources.
The wind industry also relies heavily on a linear consumption model. Wind turbine components are made, wind farms are built, and when these turbines get old and no longer work efficiently, they are disposed of. When it comes to extending the lifespan of wind turbine blades, repairing damages without delay is essential.
Maintaining and repairing wind turbine blades allows them to continue producing energy. It also ensures the turbines last as long as possible. Those working in the wind energy industry are now looking at ways to extend the lifespan of wind turbines further and reuse or recycle the various components.
Leaps and bounds are already being made toward a circular economy. Recently, researchers have been working on and improving self-healing composites, which could be used in wind turbine blades. This self-healing material could extend the life of wind turbine components and slow waste production.
Elsewhere in the wind industry, AEIF2 investment in the Danish energy company Momentum Energy Group is promoting work on the end-of-life of turbines. While often overshadowed, refurbishments and upgrade initiatives are just as essential as large new offshore projects.
The Momentum Energy Group is seeking to refurbish decommissioned wind turbines. Turbine components may still have life left in them. Momentum is trialing retaining and storing components for use, e.g. as spare parts, in future wind turbine blade repairing projects. This reuse will significantly reduce the number of turbine components going straight to landfills.
Ultimately, one action or group won’t stop climate change. Instead, continuous efforts and improvements must be made across all industries to meet carbon zero and limited temperature increase targets.
Why not consider a career in maintaining and repairing wind turbine blades if you want to stop climate change? As a wind turbine technician, you will be central to the circular economy, extending and ensuring the continued operation of turbines across the country.
Altitec, wind turbine blade repairing specialists, provide unique training opportunities for those interested in working in the field and making the world better. The Altitec Academy’s GWO blade repair course is taught by experienced industry professionals and includes hands-on learning. In addition, unlike most training providers, Altitec Academy offers further work opportunities for students who do well in their courses.
Find out more about what role you could play in slowing climate change by contacting Altitec today.
