In order to overcome ecological problems with conventional energy sources, the ongoing transition to a decarbonized energy sector has turned wind power to one of the fastest-growing energy sources. However, there is a need to constantly improve engineering design and material selection solutions in order to maximize wind turbine efficiency, durability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness. Special attention should be placed on wind blade materials since the efficiency and amount of energy produced by the turbines mainly depends on the blades, whereas the latter are highly influenced by the material that is being used in the production.

At the moment the wind blade manufacturing industry is facing many challenges in producing a 100% sustainable blade, which means manufacturing recyclable blades via sustainable materials. Apart from that, it is important to scrutinize and develop effective strategies for separation and re-use of materials in new applications which will allow manufacturers to maximize composite sustainability.

The industry also needs to overcome numerous challenges that limit much better quality blade production. Innovative design is an important part of companies’ agendas since it will open up the way to the trend the industry is moving towards – larger but lighter blades, cheaper and faster production.

Over the two days of the conference you will have the opportunity to discuss a broad range of current topics crucial for wind blade materials development:

• How do we manufacture a 100% sustainable wind blade?
• Maximizing recyclability: Latest developments in the wind blade design
• Testing leading edge material protection systems
• Switching from thermosets to thermoplastics: Introducing next-generation materials, fabrication, and testing techniques
• Smart materials and design solutions for longer blades
• Latest developments in wind industry carbon fibre implementation
• Addressing the steadily increasing demand and producing the highest quality blades
• Determining and reducing fatigue failures
• Latest developments in recyclable and bio-based materials
• Structural and non-destructive testing: Dos and don’ts