A circular way for wind turbine blades and solar panels in the Netherlands by 2050

Abstract

Photovoltaic and wind energy capacity in the Netherlands has developed rapidly over the last decades. Given the ambitious goal of the Netherlands, regarding having 100% of the national energy needs by 2050 be met by wind and solar energy, it is to be expected that this growth will continue onward. Inevitably, this growth in capacity will be followed by a likewise growth in solar panel and wind turbine waste. This study analyzed the predicted waste numbers for the Netherlands by 2050 and used this information to find feasible treatment methods capable of dealing with the waste. This study found significantly preferred treatment methods for both solar panel and wind turbine waste, indicating contemporary optimal solutions. Policymakers and the business world alike can use the information provided by this thesis to find suitable waste treatment methods and to reduce the uncertainty related to the effects of policies and investments targeting solar panels and wind turbines. What is more, this study found that while there are clearly preferred contemporary treatments, the ranking of treatments depends greatly on the weights attached to them, with thus individual parties possibly acquiring results deviating from ours. Finally, we found that the ranking of optimal treatments is a dynamic process which is greatly affected by the evolution of technology and the impact this migtht have upon the individual treatment methods.