On March 17, TMT successfully shipped China’s first self-developed recyclable thermoset resin wind turbine blade, the TMT82, from its Wind Blade Factory in Sheyang.
In early stages, the project team carried out extensive technical validation, including tests on the intrinsic properties of the recyclable resin, process performance, and compatibility with other materials. The prototype blade also underwent dynamic load simulations and full-scale fatigue testing, among other rigorous verifications. At present, TMT has achieved mass production capability for recyclable blades.
Traditional wind turbine blades face significant disposal challenges due to the irreversible cross-linked chemical structure of thermoset resins. These materials are non-degradable and non-meltable, and disposal methods such as incineration or landfill can lead to secondary land and air pollution and cause a surge in carbon emissions, contradicting the goals of green development under China’s “Dual Carbon” initiative. Currently, the industry mainly relies on mechanical crushing, which yields low-value resin powder and short fibers with limited applications.
TMT82 blade adopts an innovative reversible chemical bond resin system, which maintains the mechanical properties of traditional epoxy resin while enabling efficient “resin–fiber” separation through targeted chemical depolymerization technology. This allows for the effective recovery and reuse of blade materials.
After decommissioning, the blades can be cut into suitable sections and undergo resin depolymerization under mild conditions. The recycled resin can be directly reused in hand lay-up resins, epoxy flooring, and other products. The glass fiber retains over 85% of its original strength and can be reused in glass fiber mats and anti-crack mortars. Compared with traditional blade disposal methods (landfill or incineration), the life-cycle carbon footprint of recyclable blades can be reduced by more than 26%.
To further advance the green development of wind power equipment, TMT is conducting a carbon footprint assessment project for its wind turbine blade products. This initiative will establish a life-cycle carbon emission tracking system covering raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, and end-of-life recycling. TMT aims to develop a carbon footprint evaluation model compliant with ISO 14067 international standards by 2025. This accounting system will not only provide data support for setting carbon reduction benchmarks but also offer technical assurance for future green power certification and carbon tariff declarations in international trade.
From material innovation to manufacturing upgrades, from breakthroughs in specific technologies to full-chain collaboration, and from laboratory research to industrial-scale application, TMT continues to drive industrial advancement through technological innovation. By proactively developing environmentally friendly materials and products, TMT is contributing to the circular utilization of wind turbine blades and promoting the value transformation of new productive forces in the clean energy sector.
