EuCIA advancing scale-up of tidal energy with recyclable blades

Brussles-based European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) has applied its expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA) and circularity of composite materials to tidal turbine blades, as part of the EU-funded MAXblade project’s efforts to scale tidal energy generation and cut costs.

EuCIA is keen on looking into sustainable materials and manufacturing methods for recyclable composite blades as part of this initiative.

The MAXblade project, coordinated by Orbital Marine Power, aims to extend the blade length of tidal turbines from 10 to 13 meters, resulting in a combined rotor swept area exceeding 1,000 square meters. 

This innovation is said to make Orbital’s blades the longest globally, significantly boosting energy capture. EuCIA has been involved in Work Package 5, concentrating on the industrial competitiveness and circular economy of these tidal blades. 

Two of Orbital Marine Power’s O2 floating platforms are each planned to be fitted with two of the four blades to be developed as part of MAXBlade. The project plans to increase the area harnessed by Scottish tidal technology company Orbital Marine Power by 70%.

EuCIA’s tasks include reviewing materials and processes to ensure recyclability, providing support to partners like the University of Edinburgh on life cycle assessments, and addressing circularity in tidal turbine components.

The association is working closely with project partners, Marasoft, TECNALIA, ENGIE Laborelec, University of Edinburgh, TechnipFMC, and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) to drive the growth of the tidal energy sector. The association’s work includes reviewing materials, providing technical support for LCAs, and identifying potential recycling routes.

Backed by the EU’s Horizon Europe program and UKRI, the MAXblade project is also conducting a European market analysis to identify potential partners and establish a supply chain essential for the project’s expansion and the broader development of tidal energy in Europe, according to EuCIA.

In parallel, MAXblade’s innovations will be integrated with findings from its sister project, FORWARD2030, which aims to advance floating tidal energy technology and develop a multi-vector energy system to enable large-scale production of Orbital’s O2 turbines.