China has launched its first large-scale remanufacturing project for retired wind turbines in Jiuquan, located in Gansu province, marking a significant step in the management of aging renewable energy infrastructure. The initiative, led by China Resources Recycling Group (CRRG), a state-owned enterprise established in 2024, aims to extend the lifecycle of wind turbines that have been in operation for more than 15 years.

Earlier this month, CRRG’s Xinyuan Jiuquan subsidiary began refurbishing an initial batch of 25 wind turbines pulled from service due to equipment degradation, declining efficiency, and rising maintenance costs. The company indicated the remanufacturing process involves proprietary methods that repair structural damage, reinforce performance, and restore transmission systems with precision. According to CRRG, the upgraded turbines achieve performance levels comparable to new models, allowing their redeployment for distributed wind power, self-generation plants, and auxiliary industrial power supply.

China's wind energy sector, which has developed the world’s largest installed capacity, is confronting the retirement of a sizable portion of its fleet. By June, the country had installed wind capacity exceeding 680 gigawatts. However, more than 30,000 turbines—amounting to nearly 45 gigawatts of capacity—are projected to reach the end of their operational lifespans by 2030. This transition presents a challenge, not only in terms of replacing capacity but also due to the disposal of nearly 950,000 tonnes of turbine waste expected from decommissioned equipment.

Experts emphasize the importance of developing a circular economy model for renewable energy equipment in China. Lin Boqiang, director of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University, noted that as resource scarcity drives up raw material costs, remanufacturing could enhance China’s international standing in the sector. He highlighted the need to balance technological advancements with cost-effectiveness to address these challenges, suggesting China’s market scale and technological capabilities position it well to lead this effort.

Historically, retired turbines have been treated as scrap, with only basic metal components salvaged and composite blades typically sent to landfills or incinerated, resulting in a recovery rate of approximately 30 percent. Jiang Dong, who heads the remanufacturing project, stated that the new approach improves the total recycling rate to 70 percent by refurbishing key components and recycling blade materials. This process not only enhances economic value but also reduces environmental harm.

To further support the sector, CRRG is collaborating with local authorities in Jiuquan to establish China’s first integrated recycling and processing facility dedicated to wind turbines. The center will provide full life-cycle services including decommissioning, testing, restoration, remanufacturing, and certification. CRRG envisions this model expanding into a network of centralized hubs, sorting centers, and satellite warehouses across China’s principal renewable energy regions.

While China currently leads global wind turbine recycling capabilities, industry stakeholders acknowledge the ongoing need to develop sustainable and economically viable business models. Zhang Min, deputy secretary general of the China Green Supply Chain Alliance’s Wind Power Committee, affirmed that the technical challenges have largely been addressed, with the next phase focusing on establishing practical frameworks for long-term industry growth.