Power Shift is Ellyn Lapointe’s ongoing Gizmodo series that explores advancements in green technology, with a focus on renewable energy, grid modernization, and emissions reduction.

Durability is key to wind turbine engineering. The giant blades are highly exposed to the elements and need to withstand everything nature throws at them for decades, but when they reach the end of their operational lifespan, that durability becomes a problem.

Tossing the blades into landfills takes up huge amounts of space and wastes materials that could be useful if extracted and given new life. The thing is, wind turbine blades are so durable that breaking them down and recycling them presents significant challenges.…