Highlights
- Valuable components are refurbished for reuse
- Wind farm operators minimise costs and optimise operational availability.
- 10 tonnes of material has been diverted from scrap/waste and put back in to use in the last year.
- Water harvesting is used to supplythe parts washer.
- Working with the University of Strathclyde and others to identify new opportunities to extend the useful life and/or refurbish wind turbine components
From their base in Lochgilphead, Renewable Parts refurbish used wind turbine parts, testing and certifying them for re-use within the wind industry. Renewable Parts are enabling the re-circulation of components in a sector which is growing in importance within the low carbon economy. They are also helping operators minimise costs and optimise operational availability.
The Circular Economy and good environmental practice are central to the Renewables Parts’ overall business model which is focused around complete re-manufacturing and re-use of all components used in the wind-generation industry. Within the last year, around 10 tonnes of material has been diverted from scrap/waste and put back in to use. Rainwater harvesting to supply the parts washer has also reduced
water use.
The judges where impressed with their complete commitment to the circular economy approach, even stocking components that cannot currently be refurbished but can be expected to sell in the future once they perfected the engineering process and established a market.
For customers, participation offers significant cost savings over new: 50% on cost of components plus savings on waste disposal costs.
The company is working with the University of Strathclyde and other organisations to identify new opportunities to extend the useful life and/or refurbish key components within wind turbines.
The Circular Economy award is for businesses whose product or service fit the principles of the circular economy and demonstrates the business and environmental benefits of a closed loop approach.
The judges were particularly impressed by the strong circular economy model of the business and the clear commitment to sustainability throughout their operations and processes. It was felt that Renewable Parts were a worthy winner in this category.
Michael Forbes, general manager of refurbishment engineering at Renewable Parts Ltd said: “A circular approach is at the heart of our business model, in particular at the refurbishment centre, as we firmly believe that reusing and recycling is essential to reduce the impact on the environment, and we are striving to create a new circular economy in the wind industry.
“The VIBES awards provide a great spotlight on good practice that improves operations and we hope that by winning the Circular Scotland category that others will be inspired to make their own positive changes.”