The EuReComp project has reached a major milestone in sustainable design: the creation and successful water testing of a large-scale floating photovoltaic (PV) platform built using repurposed wind turbine blades.
This demonstrator, developed under Work Package 3 (WP3), explores innovative reuse strategies for end-of-life composite materials.
A New Role for Wind Blades
Two 3.6-meter-long WTB segments, originally used in wind turbines, were given a second life as the floating base of the PV platform. These segments were refurbished and reinforced with glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) beams sourced from the blades’ spar caps. These beams replace conventional aluminum profiles, increasing the reuse of wind blade components and enhancing sustainability.
The floating platform is designed to support four solar panels, creating a hybrid renewable energy solution that combines wind and solar technologies.
From Design to Deployment
The development included several key stages:
- CAD Design & Planning
- Materials Preparation: Cutting, cleaning, and refurbishing of blade segments and beams
- Assembly: The floating frame was constructed and sealed for water exposure
- Water Testing: The demonstrator successfully completed both static and dynamic tests, proving its stability in various simulated wave scenarios
Looking Ahead
This demonstrator shows how composite wind components can be effectively repurposed for water-based solar energy systems, opening new pathways in circular renewable energy infrastructure.
EuReComp is committed to driving innovation in circularity — turning end-of-life materials into next-generation solutions.
Partners Involved:
- INEGI: Design, materials, and construction
- HTWK: Mechanical testing and validation
- AIMEN: Business model and reuse strategy
- APM: Component selection for hybrid concepts
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