A new research initiative led by Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW Kiel) and Nuebold Yachtbau GmbH is developing rotor blades made entirely from renewable natural fibers — including flax, balsa wood, and paulownia — as a sustainable alternative to traditional fiberglass blades. Supported by nearly €175,000 from the Schleswig-Holstein Energy and Climate Protection Agency (EKSH), the project aims to deliver a working prototype for small wind turbines (with rotor areas under 200 m²) by 2027.

“We want to demonstrate that sustainable rotor blades made from flax fibers and other renewable raw materials can meet all technical requirements and make a real contribution to a more sustainable wind energy sector,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sten Böhme, project manager from HAW Kiel.

Traditional fiberglass turbine blades, while durable, are difficult to recycle and costly to dispose of. As the global wind sector expands, so does its waste footprint — with estimates suggesting blade waste could reach 2.2 million tons in the U.S. by 2050.

By contrast, natural-fiber composites can offer a lighter, biodegradable, and lower-carbon alternative. The flax and balsa-based structures promise a fully circular blade design, easier to repair, reuse, or recycle — paving the way for a sustainable wind energy lifecycle.

This project could mark a pivotal step toward greener manufacturing in wind energy — combining renewable materials, eco-design principles, and circular engineering.

If successful, it could accelerate the shift from energy transition to materials transition , inspiring similar innovation across marine, automotive, and aerospace industries.

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