As wind turbines age, the challenge of increased unit prices and parts obsolescence becomes problematic. Renewable Parts (RPL) offers refurbishment solutions to effectively lower the costs and improve the sustainability of all materials required to operate and maintain wind turbines. Prior to COP26 climate conference in Scotland in 2021, Renewable Parts agreed on terms for a five-fold expansion of operations at Westway Park in Renfrew.

After a period of use, most manufactured products end up in landfills and incinerators, or disappear to an unknown destination for low-value processing. Aerospace, automotive, energy, and rail are key high-value sectors in Scotland in which there is already significant remanufacture, repair, and refurbishment. To date, wind turbines have largely not been refurbished when faulty and, instead, are disassembled and converted into scrap materials. Continually developing the skills and technologies used in the remanufacturing industry will help to open up different markets and job opportunities within Scotland, as remanufacturing is, in general, more labour intensive than traditional manufacturing. Remanufacturing and refurbishment of products could also reduce production costs by between 34% and 60%.

Renewable Parts is a supply chain and refurbishment specialist in the wind energy industry. The company was founded in 2011 and primarily focuses on circular economy best practices, such as the refurbishment and remanufacture of wind turbine components, effectively diverting waste from landfill. Alongside this, it delivers consumables and supply chain expertise to its customers worldwide. The company ensures that turbines late in the lifecycle continue to operate uninterrupted to the highest performance standard by providing the optimal parts solution, whether it be refurbished, remanufactured, or the sourcing of a new, alternative, component to keep turbines operating.

The company currently employs over 20 people with over half directly involved in the refurbishment of wind turbines. Over the next 2 to 3 years, it will employ another 10 to 15 people into its refurbishment arm and increase its workspace with a new, much larger facility due to be completed in 2020. 

RPL has three teams directly involved in its sustainability-focused activities. These are: 

·      Sales & Marketing [4 people]: responsible for the external image of the business and the highlighting of company activities in sustainability 

·      Procurement [2 people]: responsible for identifying industry partners to create or improve sustainability in the supply chain 

·      Operations [6 people]: working alongside its customers in the refurbishment of wind turbines and innovation within its sector 

Employees are recruited from a variety of sectors including more mature industries like automotive, aerospace, and marine, as well as newer industries like software development. Technical apprenticeships are available for young people, which enables them to become time-served technicians within the renewable industry.

Applying the latest techniques to restore unserviceable parts to their original “as new” condition, Renewable Parts is now helping customers to reduce their carbon footprint and become greener businesses. This pioneering work has resulted in multiple solutions across technologies including Vestas, Siemens-Gamesa, Senvion, Nordex, and GE technologies. Coupled to its inventory management, logistics, and supply chain expertise, Renewable Parts has established itself as the natural home for those businesses who decide to pursue a "self-perform" approach to the management of their assets. As the interest in sustainability and the circular economy increases the company is planning its continued growth. Prior to COP26 climate conference in Scotland in 2021, Renewable Parts agreed on terms for a five-fold expansion of operations at Westway Park in Renfrew.