University of Strathclyde and Renewable Parts to advance the UK-based remanufacture supply chain

The University of Strathclyde and Renewable Parts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further advance the UK’s ability to remanufacture and refurbish wind turbine components. As part of the MoU, both organisations will identify opportunities in the UK market to enhance the sustainability of the supply chain for renewable energy.

Working to combine the leading research, development and innovation capabilities of the University with the market knowledge and turbine expertise of Renewable Parts, both organisations will create a more sustainable supply chain for the wind industry, identifying gaps in technology, skills, and knowledge within the renewable sector.

Strategic targets

The agreement comes after the UK government highlighted targets for the wind industry to achieve 30 GW of installed onshore and 40 GW of installed offshore capacity by 2030 at the COP26 conference, held in Glasgow during November 2021.  These strategic targets have been reinforced through the recent publication of the UK Government’s British Energy Security Strategy.

The MoU seeks to support establishing Scotland as the leading advanced research, development and innovation centre for wind turbine component remanufacture within the UK and builds on several projects within this research area, including most recently the successful KTP award.

Gillian Docherty, the University of Strathclyde’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:

We are delighted to formalise our partnership with Renewable Parts, which aligns with our commitment to sustainability and also leverages our expertise and capabilities to meet the business and technical needs of industry. “

“We look forward to further collaborating on projects to develop cutting edge remanufacture technology which will help drive change within the wind industry, benefit the circular economy in Scotland, and reduce waste.”

Great opportunity

James Barry, Chief Executive of Renewable Parts said, “The growth of wind energy in the UK creates a great opportunity but significant supply chain challenge to meet our future capacity needs.  The obligation to make this sustainable, applying circular economy technology, will generate a new, green economy within our country.  This agreement enables the continued growth of what is an important, yet lesser seen, part of the renewable energy system.”