EMR adds to wind turbine recycling team

U.K.-based EMR has added John McPhail as its new energy infrastructure project manager.

Working alongside Charlotte Stamper, EMR’s energy infrastructure lead, he will manage the development of a supply chain that will see the materials used to construct modern wind turbines recovered, processed and—where possible—reused by the renewable energy industry.

Approximately 90 percent of the material in these assets, including steel, aluminum and copper—is already recycled by companies such as EMR, but further innovation is required as the number of decommissioned wind turbines increases in the years ahead. 

EMR recently launched “Re-Rewind,” a partnership that aims to establish a circular economy for the rare earth magnets used to construct on-shore and off-shore wind turbines. The project brings together businesses, industry experts and academia, and McPhail will lead the development of a series of new collaborative projects as the industry seeks to sustainably recycle even more of the material used to build the U.K.’s renewable power infrastructure.

While efforts to create sustainable recycling solutions are in line with EMR’s target to reach net zero by 2040, the company says the innovations developed by McPhail and his team will ensure Scotland’s reputation as a leader in renewable power is further enhanced.

“Scotland has an amazing opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower thanks to the on-shore and off-shore wind turbines that have been installed here over recent decades," McPhail says. "By ensuring that these assets are decommissioned and recycled in the most sustainable way possible, EMR is playing a vital role in this green transition—and it’s a mission I’m thrilled to now be a part of.”

“I have no doubt that EMR will achieve every one of its goals and create a fully circular supply chain for decommissioned wind turbines at commercial scale. I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Charlotte Stamper, and the whole EMR team, to make this happen.”