A report published by AMI Consulting calculates that the global demand for materials in the production of wind turbine blades grew by over 10% per annum in the last three years.
While materials usage has risen strongly, there are uncertainties ahead and changing market dynamics. The value of the global composite blade market is estimated at € 2.1 billion. The report quantifies the market, its structure, the status of the technology and the changes which are underway. Increasing effort is being invested in designing blades for maximum power generation and reliability but minimising weight and this requires careful attention to materials composition, materials processing and of course design. To maximise generators’ return on investment, the average blade size is getting longer. As blade length and weight grow increased sophistication in blade design, materials and manufacture are required.