The debate over the materials used in wind turbine blades

Wind turbines are becoming a common sight as we transition to green energy. The debate revolves around the core material used in the blades - balsa wood or recycled plastic. Balsa wood is lightweight, strong, and flexible, making it ideal for wind turbine blades. However, 95% of the world's balsa wood comes from South American rainforests, primarily from Ecuador. The surge in demand, especially from China, led to illegal logging and ecological destruction. To address sustainability concerns, engineers have been experimenting with recycled plastic bottles, turning them into a composite foam used in wind turbine blades. While plastic foam helps reduce landfill waste, some argue that the carbon footprint of plastic is larger than that of balsa wood. Despite the challenges, balsa wood remains a crucial material for capturing carbon in wind blades.