The EU-funded projects REFRESH and EOLIAN, where EuCIA leads the communication and dissemination activities, both participated in WindEnergy Hamburg 2026.
As part of the new Wind Innovation Cluster Hub, the projects showcased advances being made in wind turbine blade circularity, both in repurposing and recycling of existing blades (REFRESH) and in developing a new generation of vitrimer composite blades (EOLIAN).
At the Wind Innovation Cluster Hub stand, project partners Gees Recycling represented REFRESH and Norvento TECHnPower represented EOLIAN, alongside seven other Horizon Europe projects. Both also delivered presentations during the Wind Innovation Cluster Hub Speakers’ Corner session on 22 September.
Giorgio Betteto, R&D CTO, Gees Recycling, presented REFRESH at WindEnergy Hamburg.
Claudia Vázquez Sanz, blades engineer at Norvento TECHnPower, represented EOLIAN.
New solutions for blade circularity
REFRESH is preparing to exploit the results of four years of research. The project’s technologies cover the entire end-of-life blade value chain, from dismantling, cutting and sorting, through optimised recycling processes, to new products, supported by a traceability platform and sustainability analyses.
A key element of the project is Gees’ new 6000 tonne/year mechanical recycling line, which is currently being commissioned at its facility in Aviano, Italy. This will transform composite materials from end-of-life blades into panels for applications in construction and other markets. Read the press release.
EuCIA is currently organising the REFRESH closing event, where the full achievements of the project will be presented. This takes place in Brussels on 2 December. Participants can also join online, and registration opens soon.
The next generation of smart, sustainable blades
EOLIAN is pioneering composite materials that combine a bio-based vitrimer matrix with natural basalt fibre reinforcement, offering a more sustainable alternative to the glass fibre reinforced thermoset composites currently used in blade production. The project is also developing advanced sensor technologies to enable structural health monitoring.
To demonstrate these technologies, Norvento will manufacture a 12 m sensor-assisted vitrimer composite blade, which will be benchmarked against a traditional blade through a detailed LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy) analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA). Read the press release.
A hub for European wind energy innovation
The Wind Innovation Cluster Hub, launched in August, brings together 20 Horizon Europe projects to exchange knowledge, enhance collaboration and coordinate activities. REFRESH and EOLIAN are members of the Hub’s Circularity, Sustainable and High-Performance Materials working group.
