As an example of how its technology can be applied, ACCIONA presented the recycling of wind turbine blades at the end of their service life — one of the sector’s major challenges. In this context, one of the most notable uses of this technology is replacing galvanized steel profiles with composite profiles made from recycled material, for use in mounting photovoltaic panels in solar farms.

This groundbreaking process has successfully overcome a number of technical challenges, from the implementation of an automated industrial method for shredding decommissioned wind turbine blades, to the development of different formulations and systems to enable efficient manufacturing of these profiles.

The key benefits of this composite material recycling process include: completely eliminating the need to send end-of-life blades to landfill by recycling them; converting waste into valuable resources; replacing corrosion-prone steel profiles with durable, resilient composite profiles; and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to conventional processes.

EXCELLENCE IN COMPOSITES

ACCIONA has established itself as an innovation leader in the field of composite materials, having received major awards from internationally recognized organizations in this area.

The first award was received in 2011 for the development of a pedestrian footbridge in Almuñécar, whose structure was a U-shaped girder made from composite material (FRP). One year later, ACCIONA was again recognized for the design and installation of another type of prestressed pedestrian footbridge in Cuenca.

In 2015, the Biobuild project, in which ACCIONA participated, was honored as a pioneering initiative for creating the first façade panel made from bio-based composite materials, using natural fibers and bio-resins.

In 2016, the Valencia lighthouse, built by ACCIONA, won an innovation award and also became the world’s first lighthouse constructed using composite materials. In 2017, the company was recognized for the composite cladding installed in the Pajares tunnels — an in-house patented method for tunnel waterproofing.

All of these achievements by ACCIONA in the use of composite materials and mechanical recycling reinforce the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in innovation and sustainability, positioning it as a global benchmark in the development of sustainable solutions.