When we see a pig, we all tend to think that every part of it can be used: its delicious hams, pork cracklings, chorizo, loins…..including, as the saying goes “even its walk”. However, at CARTIF we know there ir more beyond that: a great variety of by-products and waste generated during the stages prior to the production of all these products.
A similar situation occurs in the sheep sector. Is not only about milk, used for cheese, or meat, such as suckling lamb, but many types of waste also appear throughout the processing stages, such as skins, viscera, or blood, whose treatment entails, apart from its environmental impact, an additional cost for companies.
The cattle sector, in turn, shares common challenges with the previous ones, facing the management of a long list of waste products such as manure, slurry, blood, bones, viscera, and skins, among others.
In the current context where sustainability and circular economy principles are gaining increasing relevance in industrial processes, waste recovery in the meat industry emerges as a key strategy to optimize resources and reduce environmental impact. The activities of the sheep, pig and cattle sectors (which together account for up to 75% of national meat production) offer enormous potential for the full utilization of their waste. In short, we can talk not only about excellent products (milk, cheese, chorizos or hams), but also about good practices by meat companies, closing the production cycle by generating added value through waste recovery. In most cases, these type of waste are managed by external handlers, representing an additional cost for producers. For this reason, all by-products generated in the meat industry require efficient management and call for innovative ideas to turn them into valuable products.
Source:
An analysis of the meat production process, according to Nedgia, estimates that a cow produces 50kg of manure per day, which amounts approximately 18,250kg/year (1). When the cow arrives at the slaughterhouse, approximately 40 to 50% of its weight consists of by-products, such as bones, blood, hide, víscera, inedible fat and rumen content, all of which must be properly managed.In addition to this, processing a cow at the slaughterhouse may require between 500 and 1,000 liters of water (2), which subsequently becomes a wastewater stream that also needs to be treated.
Approximately 40 to 50% of a cow weight consists of by-products
On the other hand, animal hides are already valorized in the textile and footwear industries, but currently, their demand has decreased compared to other fabrics and synthetic leathers. Therefore, efforts are being made to find alternative applications for their utilization. From hides, as well as from bones and cartilage, collagen can be extracted- a product highly sought after by the cosmetics industry due to its many health benefits. Collagen helps create a protective barrier on our skin against external agents, provides firmness and resilience, promotes wound healing, delays the effects of aging and reduce wrinkles, among other benefits (3). Moreover, its use is associated with improvements in the treatment of common diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarhtritis.
According to the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AEND), from the age of 25, collagen production in a healthy person begins to decline, and it is estimated that by the age of 40, the body produces only half as much collagen as it did during adolescence, with this decrease becoming more pronounced in women after menopause (4). Moreover, one of the reasons why our bones weaken is due to the lack of collagen in the body (5). Many of us remember seeing our grandmothers boiling cow bones to extract collagen, straining the broth for consumption; when refrigerated, this broth would turn into a gelatin rich in collagen. Today, it is possible to replicate this process in the laboratory to obtain concentrated collagen as a nutritional supplement, which requires a purification process that presents various challenges related to obtaining pure collagen, free of fats and other proteins.
Illustration of young skin layers and components
Illustration showing layers and components of aged skin
Regarding blood, this fraction represents approximately 3–7% of the live weight of the animal, depending on the species, and has traditionally been used in the production of food products (such as blood sausages and others). However, it is also possible to use it for obtaining food colorants or for the extraction of hemoglobin and/or protein that can be incorporated into various products for human or animal consumption. Once the blood has been collected and treated, plasma can be separated from hemoglobin, or the entire fraction can be dried to obtain a protein-rich product.
Another meat by-product is the intestines of animals, which are currently used in the production of sausages such as salchichón, blood sausage, chorizo, and regular sausages, among others. However, the utilization of this fraction (and its associated economic value) remains quite limited. For many years, it has been known that intestines are a rich source of heparin, a highly demanded medication worldwide due to its clinical use as an anticoagulant. The process of obtaining highly pure and stable heparin requires a lengthy preparation and laboratory treatment. Numerous challenges must be overcome during its extraction, such as selecting the most appropriate extraction and purification methods. In addition to using resins, there are other methods that allow heparin to be isolated from other compounds (proteins and other contaminants). Furthermore, it is essential to ensure the stability of the active ingredient, which involves evaluating whether it should be kept in solution or subjected to a drying process.
The valorization of waste from the meat industry is surrounded by many uncertainties, but in this sea of questions, CARTIF emerges, with its researchers studying and developing new processes for the treatment of these by-products, generating new knowledge and finding viable and sustainable technological solutions to these challenges, thereby offering added value to the meat industry.
CARTIF is firmly committed to this line of research, supporting companies in the meat sector in valorizing all their waste, including slurry, for transformation into various products — whether food, energy (such as renewable gases), or even agronomic products (such as organic fertilizers).
As we have seen, it is not only the pig from which everything can be used — even, as the saying goes, “its very walk.”
Co-author.
Pedro Acebes. Researcher at Agrifood and Processes Division
Informe trimestral de indicadores económicos marzo 2025. Sector vacuno de carne. Ministerio de Agricultura, pesca y alimentación. Gobierno de España.
Área de precios. Informe semanal de coyuntura. Precios Coyunturales. Semana 5-2025 del 27 de enero al 2 de febrero. Subsecretaría Subdirección general de análisis, coordinación y estadística.
Plan territorial de Ordenación de residuos de Tenerife. Residuos de mataderos, decomisos, subproductos cárnicos y animales muestras.
Universidad Nacional del Nordeste Comunicaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas 2003. Cedrés, José F.
In a situation where soil salinity poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity, scientific research is increasingly focusing on the vital role of soil microorganisms.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), soil salinity is a major challenge for agriculture worldwide, impacting over 20% of arable land. This issue arises from the accumulation of soluble salts, such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium, in the soil, which hinders plants’ ability to absorb water and essential nutrients necessary for their growth. Additionally, suboptimal soil management practices— including excessive irrigation without adequate control, deforestation, and urbanization— exacerbate this challenge. Research indicates that improper irrigation practices can result in salt accumulation due to water evaporation, consequently diminishing crop productivity.
As climate change affects rainfall patterns and increases global temperatures, the increase in salinity is threatening food security and affecting key crops in multiple regions. This situation of overexploitation and mismanagement of water resources not only exacerbates salt stress but also leads to soil degradation, a well-documented issue that diminishes the soil’s capacity for regeneration and directly affects biodiversity and ecosystems.
Impact of salinity on plant development. Source: Global map of salt-affected soils. GSASmap v1.0. 2021, Rome. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The rise in salinity is one of the most pressing challenge in modern agriculture. The scientific community is proactively tackling this issue by developing innovative solutions. In this regard, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a valuable technology. Recent advancements in NGS have allowed researchers to analyze plant genomes with great precision, which has been facilitaterd the identification of key genes linked to salt stress resistance. The integration of NGS with genetic studies has advanced crop improvement through genetic engineering, aiming to transfer salt tolerance traits from halophytes -plants that thrive in high salinity environments- to more susceptible crops. This strategy provides a promising avenue for cultivating more resilient crops, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity in salt-affected soils and contributing to future food security.
Similarly, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has facilitated substantial advancements in our understanding of soil microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria, and others) that inhabit the soil and are essential for its health and plant development. Metagenomic and bioinformatic studies are offering clearer insights into the microbial diversity found in soils, particularly those impacted by salinity, and how this microbiota can affect plant tolerance to challenging conditions. A well-balanced soil enriched with microbial biodiversity enhances plant resilience under various stressors, thereby improving agricultural productivity. Consequently, understanding and effectively managing soil microbiota -especially in saline environments- emerges as a crucial strategy for fostering more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) process based on soil samples.Source: DeFord, L., Yoon, J.Y. Soil microbiome characterization and its future directions with biosensing. J Biol Eng 18, 50 (2024). doi: 10.1186/s13036-024-00444-1.
The halophilic microbiota found in saline soils plays a vital role in assisting plants in managing salt stress. Utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), we can identify and comprehensively characterize the microorganisms present in these environments, particularly those adapted to high salinity. NGS facilitates the mapping of microbial diversity, enabling the identification of specific bacteria and fungi that promote plant growth, as well as assessing their metabolic capabilities. Certain microorganisms, including particular fungi and bacteria, can produce bioactive compounds that serve as protective barriers for plant roots, helping to mitigate the adverse impacts of salinity. This molecular approach presents new opportunities for developing microbial inoculants derived from these beneficial microorganisms, which can be directly applied to saline soils to enhance agricultural productivity in a more sustainable and resilient manner. By adopting these technologies, we can also reduce dependence on chemical products, which, while sometimes effective, may pose risks to ecosystems and human health.
“NGS facilitates the mapping of microbial diversity, enabling the identification of specific bacteria and fungi that promote plant growth, as well as assessing their metabolic capabilities.”
This approach -integrating the study of soil microbiota with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology– offers a more efficient strategy for addressing salinity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It supports long-term soil health and minimizes environmental impact. In this context, soil microbiota emerges as a pivotal ally in confronting one of the most significant agricultural challenges of the 21st century.
From our laboratory at CARTIF, we have the technological capabilities and the necessary expertise to study and characterize both soil microbiota and its interaction with plants under saline stress conditions. Through the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools, bioinformatics analyses, and molecular assays, we can identify beneficial microorganisms that promote soil health and crop resilience, thereby contributing to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices adapted to today’s environmental challenges.
1Global status of salt-affected soils, Foro Internacional del Suelo y el Agua. 2024 Bangkok. Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO).
2 Singh AK, Pal P, Sahoo UK, Sharma L, Pandey B, Prakash A, Sarangi PK, Prus P, Pașcalău R, Imbrea F. Enhancing Crop Resilience: The Role of Plant Genetics, Transcription Factors, and Next-Generation Sequencing in Addressing Salt Stress. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 22;25(23):12537. doi: 10.3390/ijms252312537.
3 Frąc M, Hannula SE, Bełka M, Jędryczka M. Fungal Biodiversity and Their Role in Soil Health. Front Microbiol. 2018 Apr 13;9:707. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00707.
4 Mishra A, Singh L, Singh D. Unboxing the black box-one step forward to understand the soil microbiome: A systematic review. Microb Ecol. 2023 Feb;85(2):669-683. doi: 10.1007/s00248-022-01962-5.
5 Pérez-Inocencio J, Iturriaga G, Aguirre-Mancilla CL, Vásquez-Murrieta MS, Lastiri-Hernández MA, Álvarez-Bernal D. Reduction in Salt Stress Due to the Action of Halophilic Bacteria That Promote Plant Growth in Solanum lycopersicum. Microorganisms. 2023; 11(11):2625. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11112625.
6 Adomako MO, Roiloa S, Yu FH. Potential Roles of Soil Microorganisms in Regulating the Effect of Soil Nutrient Heterogeneity on Plant Performance. Microorganisms. 2022 Dec 3;10(12):2399. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10122399.
In March 2024 I was at a conference on information technologies during which a person from REE stated that in the future we will not be able to take the security of electricity supply for granted. This person did not explain the reason for such a statement, but I do not think he was thinking of a catastrophic blackout like the one we suffered last April 28,2025 in Spain. From the context of the workshop, it is possible that he meant that, in an electricity system based exlcusively on renewable generation, there may be times when the available generation will not be able to cover all demand without bringing down the entire electricity system. In any case, this hypothetical situation is related to what some consider to be, if not the cause of the blackout, at least its framework. I´m refering to the lack of inertia in the electric system.
For years, research articles have been published characterizing inertia and studying how it has been decreasing as the penetration of renewable energies has increased. This hasn´t not only occured in Spain, but also in all countries that are introducing renewable energies in a significant way. The famous 50 Hz of the grid, which we see on the nameplates of any domestic device, have their origin in the rotation of the rotors of the alternators of hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear power plants which, thanks to their mass, have the inertia that allows them to compensate for sudden and transient variations in frequency. As these types of generators lose ground in electricity generation, physical sources at 50Hz also disappear, and the system becomes more vulnerable to inestabilities that can alter this frequency. Redeia itself acknowledge the risk this situation poses to the electricity system´s balancing capacity in its 2024 Consolidated Management Report. This should lead us yo believe that the transition to an electricity system based only on renewable energy can not consist only of installing more and more renewable generation capacity.
Renewable energy sources, both wind and photovoltaic, use electronic power converters. These converters are designed to feed the energy into a well-constituted grid with its expected 50 Hz. They are grid-following converters. For that reason, if they detect that the grid is unstable they disconnect from it. This is what may have happened on April 28 when, according to ENTSO-e, the frequency dropped to 48 Hz. Unlike conventional converters, there are others capable of generating synthetic inertia, i.e., by means of appropriate devices and control techniques, it is possible for the converters to react within milliseconds to changes in the grid frequency and thus mimic the response of a generator with natural inertia. In this way, renewable generation could contribute to grid stability. Such converters can also achieve the same effect with batteries, so that the batteries would not only store the renewable surplus, but also contribute to grid stability. But for such converters to be developed commercially, they need to be covered by regulations. The European Union launched the procedure in 2022 to initiate the revision of the corresponding grid codes, but it is a process that takes years until each country finally integrates them into its regulations. It will also be necessary to modify the regulations so that batteries can have access to all the services available on the market.
It should not be forgotten that demand can also contribute to grid stability. In Spain, the active demand response service (SRAD) has already been activated four times, through which the system operator requests the disconnection of the loads of those consumers who voluntarily participate in the service and who receive remuneration in exchange for their flexibility. But the conditions for participation leave out many potential participants. It is necessary to lower the minimum power or allow the aggregation of consumers and increase the frequency of auctions to facilitate the incorporation of more power to the service. It seems that all these ideas are already on the table and could be a reality soon. Along the same lines, the announced capacity market could play an important role in the stability of the system. In this market, generation, storage and demand will be able to participate. It seems that aggregation will be allowed, which could open the door for small consumers, such as domestic consumers, to take advantage of the flexibility of their demand for their own benefit and for the benefit of the system.
“The Active Demand Response Service (SRAD) is established as a specific balancing product provided by the electricity demand of the Spanish peninsula electrical system to address situations where a shortage of upward tertiary regulation reserve is identified.”
Finally, to transform the electrical system, in addition to all of the above, new lines will have to be laid in the most saturated areas and grid monitoring improved. Simply filling thousands of acres with panels and wind turbines isn’t enough. And an important question remains: how to finance all of this.
In 2022, the European Commision launched one of its most ambitious initiatives: the Smart and Climate Neutral Cities Mission for 2030. In this mission, 112 cities were selected from among 377 candidates to lead the transition to climate neutrality and achieve it by 2030, 20 years before the global target set for the entire continent in the European Green Pact. Among them are 7 Spanish cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Valladolid, Vitoria and Zaragoza.
The Mission introduced a results-oriented logic, with the Climate City Contracts (CCC) as a central tool to articulate three pillars necessary to achieve this transformation: political commitment, technical roadmap and integrated financial mechanisms.
“The Climate City Contracts (CCC) are voluntary agreements between cities and the European Commision that looks for collaborate to address the challenges of climate change at the local level”
Three years after its launch, and in the context of the recent Mission Conference1“Building on Cities´Successes: Driving Climate Action for 2030”; held in Vilnius (Lithuania) from May 6-8, which served as a key meeting point for mission cities, their technology partnerts and the European Commision, it is timely to review progress. From CARTIF, as an active partner in several projects linked to the Mission, we have closely experienced this evolution from the initial vision to the current implementations that we can summarize by taking a look at the mission projects in which we work:
NETZEROCITIES(GA 101036519), platform that supports the implementation of the mission, acts as its methodological backbone, providing technical assistance, support to the “pioneer cities” and the development of tools for urban innovation (several designed and developed by CARTIF as technological partner of the project) that are helping to consolidate a common approach for all participating cities, beyond individual projects. In this context, it also highlights the role of CapaCITIES (GA 101056927), of which CARTIF is also part, and which acts as a catalyst to strengthen the institutional, technical and of governance capacities of the cities, replicating the concept of mission implementation platform in national contexts.
In NEUTRALPATH (GA 101096753), project coordinated by CARTIF, we are working with Zaragoza and Dresden to develop Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), capable of producing more energy than they consume as one of the main elements to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and therefore achieve climate neutrality. This transformation requires integrated solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage, digitalization and citizen participation. The project is demonstrating that the neighbourhood scale approach can be not only viable, but replicable, and key to reaching urban climate neutrality.
In ASCEND(GA 101096571) , where CARTIF participates as a partner, we collaborate with the cities of Lyon and Munich in the accelerated demonstration of integrated and scalable urban solutions, also associated with the concept of Positive Energy Districts (PED). Our role focuses on the design of climate impact planning and monitoring tools, enabling cities to make informed and adaptive decisions. ASCEND seeks not only to test technologies, but to orchestrate them in real urban ecosystems, with the ambition to scale.
Finally, in MOBILITIES FOR EU (GA 101139666), coordinated by CARTIF, we collaborate with Madrid and Dresden to demonstrate electric and autonomous mobility solutions, connected to renewable energy infrastructure and smart urban grids such as advanced 5G systems. Our approach combines technology, systemic analysis and business models to accelerate the adoption of clean solutions for mobility of people and goods.
The Vilnius conference has highlighted that the Mission is no longer a promise, but a network of cities in full transformation. From CARTIF, at the forefront of the implementation of the mission, we reaffirm our commitment to this vision: to put innovation at the service of cities and businesses to make them more sustainable, fair and resilient.
These projects are funded by the Horizon Europe research and innovation program.
1 Cities Mission Conference “Harnessing City Successes: Advancing Climate Action for 2030”
When summer arrives and temperatures starts to increase, is frequent making the same question: why in the city center temperatures are higher than in an edification area in a rural environment?
The answer is simple: is due to the urban heat island effect.
But, what urban heat island effect is?
Urban heat island effect is a local climatic phenomenon that causes the built environment to exhibit significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding areas. This effect is especially intensified at night and during the hottest times of the year, such as summer. The occurence of this phenomenon generates negative effects on both the health and quality of life of city dwellers, but also has a considerable impact on vegetation and the urban environment in general, contributing significantly to increasing the effects of climate change.
“Urban heat island effect is a local climatic phenomenon that causes the built environment to exhibit significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding areas.”
The origin of the urban heat island lies in the characteristics of the built environment itself. Materials such as asphalt, concrete and brick absorb radiation and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night, preventing temperature regulation. This problem is often exarcebated when urban vegetation is reduced or scarce, when the design and orientation of streets limits air circulation and therefore the evacuation of heat accumulated during the day and the existence of anthropogenic emission sources, i.e., heat from vehicles, industries and air conditioning systems. All this contributes to the fact that, on average, the temperature in the city centre can be several degrees higher than in its peryphery or in rural environments.
What effects or negative consecuencies generate about the people life and environment?
Firstly, it has a significant impact on health, since high temperatures can cause general malaise, respiratory problems, sunstroke, dehydration, fatigue and even increased mortality due to heat stroke1. Secondly, there is the need for higher energy consumption due to cooling requirements, which is often associated with higher electricity prices. Thirdly, the urban heat island contributes to a worsening of air quality, aggravating the greenhouse effect problem. Finally, the economic impact it causes should be highlighted, as it can double the losses predicted by climate change.
And to reduce these effects, what measures are efficient in face of the impact of the urban heat island?
Fundamentally, strategies such as the increase in plant surfaces and bodies of water (green and blue infrastructure), where the planting of trees and the creation of urban parks to help regulate the temperature of the environment, or green roofs and vertical gardens that cover buildings with vegetation to improve thermal insulation and reduce surface temperature, are of particular importance. Other strategies include the use of reflective materials (high albedo) that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, thus contributing significantly to reducing heat accumulation. However, one of the most efficient measures is proper urban planning through strategies that integrate climatic conditions into the design of the built environment, such as the promotion of a balanced density to ensure energy efficiency, access to services and open spaces without generating thermal overcrowding, the promotion of streets and public spaces aligned with the prevailing winds, allowing natural ventilation while reducing the thermal canyon effect associated with narrow streets. Finally, it is also worth mentioning sustainable mobility strategies, whether through the design of walkable cities, with access to public transportation and non-motorized means, or the promotion of electric vehicles that help reduce the heat emitted by engines.
Although major urban transformations that can generate highly visible impacts of the urban heat island require decisions by governments in collaboration with urban planning experts, every citizen can contribute with his or her small grain of sand to reduce the impact of the urban heat island. Small actions such as planting trees in yards and gardens, opting for light-colored paint for roofs and facades of houses, reducing energy consumption by regulating the thermal comfort of the home, using more public transport, walking or cycling can all make a significant contribution to reducing the impact of the urban heat island. All these measures can make a significant contribution to reducing the heat accumulated in the urban environment. Joint action that integrates small individual actions and large collective initiatives can be presented as the most efficient way to mitigate the urban heat island, which is considered one of the most important challenges of modern urbanization.
From CARTIF, we work to help the different public administrations in the development of solutions, plans and strategies for adaptation to climate change and its effects. It is worth mentioning the project in which we work together with GEOCYL Consultoría S.L. and the Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León (CENCYL_ISLACALOR) in which we have worked on the quantification of the urban heat island effect in three Spanish cities (Valladolid, Salamanca and Ciudad Rodrigo) and five Portuguese cities (Almeida, Aveiro, Coimbra, Guarda and Viseu) of the CENCYL network, in which we also evaluated the impact caused by the increase in temperatures and defined relevant indicators for monitoring. For this purpose, Sentinel 2 and Sentinel 3 images have been used to define high resolution maps (10 meters) for daytime and nighttime surface temperature, which have been integrated into a multi-criteria decision analysis to define in detail the areas with the highest thermal load at city level. In addition, in the CLIMRES andINHERIT projects, we are working on the development of climate services to help reduce the effects of rising temperatures on the building sector and heritage, respectively.
1In 2022 natural disasters in Spain caused 45 deaths, 45% of which were caused by high temperatures. (Source: Aon Spain Foundation based on data from the Ministry of the Interior (2023))
Today I would like to talk to you about a problem that is increasingly being discussed, but which still surprises many people: what happens to the blades of the wind turbines when they are no longer useful? Because yes, they also “retire”, and when they do, they generate waste that is difficult to manage.
We all agree that wind energy is a marvel. It´s clean, renewable and a great ally against climate change. But, like almost everything in life, it also has its B side. The first thing that comes to mind when we think of a wind turbine, are those huge blades spinning in the wind to give us electricity without polluting. And yes, that´s great…while they´re working. The problem comes when these blades reach the end of their useful life and have to be disposed of. Then, what was a brilliant solution becomes a headache. And a big one at that. Becasue these paddles are designed to resist everything: wind, rain, sun, snow…That´s why they are light and very resistant, thanks to the materials they are made of: composite materials (fibreglass and resins) and balsa wood. The disadvantage is that, precisely because of these resistant materials, they aren´t easy to recycle. And of course, the question is inevitable: what we do with them?
For you to have an idea of the size of the problem, at the end of 2024 in Spain alone, there were 1,371 wind farms spread across 828 municipalities, with no less than 22,210 wind turbines and more than 65,000 installed blades1. And watch out, because almost 35% of these wind turbines were commissioned before 2002, which means that they have already exceed 20 years of useful life, which is usually between 15 and 25 years. In other words, in the coming years we will be faced with a veritable avalanche of blades that will have to bel dismantled and managed.
“In Spain, at the end of 2024, there were 1,371 wind farms with 22,210 wind turbines and more than 65,000 installed blades”
What if we look beyond our borders? In Europe, it´s estimated that by 2050, the volume of blades waste will generate more than 2 million tons per year, and that the cumulative total could reach 43 million of tons2. All these tonnes are best understood if we remember that a single badle can measure more than 50 metres and weigh around 6 tonnes- almost nothing! Tons and tons of badles that we can not simply sweep under the carpet (or rather in the landfill). And no, that´s obviously not a good option, nor is it sustainable. And the most worrying thing: there is still no generalised solution for all that material.
And in this is where our work comes in. At CARTIF, we have been working precisely on this, on finding a second life for these blades. One of the projects in which I have participated is called LIFE REFIBRE, and in it we have developed equipment to mechanically recycle these blades. What we do is crush them under very controlled conditions to recover the glass fibre they contain. And what do we do with that fibre? Well, we have incorporated it into asphalt road mixes. And it works! It provides extra properties that improve the durability of the road surface. So not only do we prevent this waste from ending up in landfill, but we also give added value to the roads, being a clear example ofcircular economy.
What is interesting is that there is no a single way to recycle these blades. In addition to mechanical recycling, at CARTIF we have also investigated other more advanced and promising ways, such as pyrolysis and chemical recycling.Pyrolisis is a thermal process in which the blades are heated in the absence of oxygen, which allows the resins to be broken down without burning them. This process produces gases, liquids and glass fibres. The gases and liquids can be recovered energetically, and the glass fibres are practically free of resin. At CARTIF we have worked on optimising the process conditions to maximise fibre recovery with its mechanical properties as intact as possible. On the other hand, chemical recycling consists of applying specific reagents to selectively degrade the resins and thus separate the glass fibres without damaging them and better preserving their structural properties. This allows them to be reused in higher valued-added applications, such as new composite materials, automotive componentes, etc. Both techniques present challenges, such as energy efficiency, by-products recovery or industrial scalability, but their potential is huge. Obtaining glass fibres without resin opens the door to reuse them in much more demanding products. At CARTIF we continue to investigate these avenues because we firmly believe that the future lies in solutions that not only avoid landfill, but also transform a complex waste into a valuable resource.
The important thing is not to look the other way and think about what happens when the mill stops turning. Because blades are not to be uses and thrown away, nor are they to be buried in disguise. They also deserve a second life, and that is why we need solutions that are truly sustainable and circular. And, from my experience, I can assure you that you can find them. Because yes, blades also have the right to a dignified retirement…..and a sustainable one.
1 Spanish eolic association/ Eolic Report 2024. The sector voice
2 Wind energy in Europe/ 2024 Statistics and the outlook for 2025-2030
