We are redefining how resources are used, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing reuse.
By adopting the principles of a circular economy, we aim to eliminate pollution at its source and create systems that regenerate instead of deplete. Together, we are building a sustainable path where every action contributes to a healthier planet.
Why Is Circular Resource Use Important?
- To achieve the global renewable energy transition at the pace and scale demanded by science, we need to use raw materials such as steel, concrete, and aluminum. Many of these resources are already scarce and under pressure, which is why adopting circularity principles, using fewer materials for longer, and recycling everything possible again and again is critically important.
- By embedding circularity into our entire operational model, we aim to eliminate waste and maximize the reuse and recycling of our key components and materials, helping nature to thrive.
- Our two main goals in promoting circular use are to ensure the availability of critical raw materials and to minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with extracting and processing virgin resources—thus enabling the green transition to happen in harmony with nature.
Circular economy practices play a vital role in waste management within the renewable energy sector. The recycling of solar panels and wind turbines at the end of their life cycles is essential for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. - Wind turbine blades are typically made from composite materials such as fiberglass and resin, which makes them difficult to recycle. Globally, it is estimated that around 43 million tons of wind turbine waste will be generated by 2050. Due to the limited capacity of current recycling methods, a large portion of this waste is directed to landfills, causing both environmental and economic losses.
You can review the reports of the following institutions on the life cycle of solar panels and wind turbines:
For more on Zorlu Enerji’s circularity management systems and policies, please visit our Policies and Certifications page.
What Are We Doing?
The average expected lifespan of our newest renewable energy assets is 30–35 years, and up to 90% of the total weight of materials used to build them is recyclable. But we know we can do even more. As a developer, we focus on three main areas where we can best support the expansion of circularity in the renewable energy sector and beyond:
Improving design and procurement processes for a lower environmental footprint
Approximately 20% of the carbon footprint associated with our physical assets originates from the extraction and processing of construction materials. By optimizing how we design physical assets and increasing the use of components made from recycled materials, we can reduce our dependence on virgin resources.
Circular Construction Activities & Logistics Practices
To enhance sustainability in our construction processes, we prioritize low-emission cement products in our procurement practices. Our research into low-carbon steel is ongoing, and we focus on regional sourcing solutions to minimize logistics-related environmental impacts.
This approach helps reduce our carbon footprint while also supporting local economies. Through sustainable material use and logistics optimization, we are implementing a more environmentally friendly construction approach.
Optimizing How We Use Physical Assets and Key Components More Efficiently
The longer we keep an asset or component in use, the less time and energy we spend decommissioning and replacing it. With this in mind, we aim to extend the lifespan of assets by improving how we repair, reuse, and repurpose them.
For example, in our wind turbine maintenance and repair workshop, we are exploring ways to extend the life of old and worn wind turbine equipment.
Leadership in Circular Economy and Sustainability: OEPSAŞ “Be Aware!” Project
Through its comprehensive efforts in waste, water, and energy management under the “Be Aware!” project, OEPSAŞ has been awarded the Gold Certificate. The project aims to optimize resource use, minimize waste, and increase the use of renewable resources in line with circular economy principles. Innovative solutions that promote water conservation and practices that improve energy efficiency have contributed to the development of a sustainable business model. This achievement once again highlights OEPSAŞ’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its dedication to a sustainable future.
ZES Teknik Wind Turbine Local Repair and Maintenance Workshop
Through its ZES Teknik brand, Zorlu Enerji aims to meet the circularity needs of the sector by providing repair and maintenance services for wind turbine equipment. Focusing on the reuse and repair of critical components and materials—particularly turbine control boards—the company develops solutions that extend the lifecycle of equipment, optimize resource usage, and directly contribute to the efficiency and economic lifespan of power plants. This approach also aims to minimize material waste and foster a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
OEDAŞ "Can Dostlar" (Dear Friends) Project
We repurpose waste materials to build shelters for stray animals and construct houses for birds and street animals. In cooperation with HAYTAP, we provide food support for homeless animals and have established treatment rooms where over 3,000 neutering operations and more than 5,000 surgeries have been performed to date.
We implement sustainable solutions for migratory birds on power transmission lines, using out-of-service transmission materials to develop bird protection devices. These devices, installed on nearly a thousand poles, help prevent birds from electrocution and also reduce power outages. These efforts protect wildlife while supporting circularity in energy infrastructure.
Zorlu Enerji Waste Management
We are working to ensure recyclability during the decommissioning process of assets.
By discovering new ways to recycle our renewable energy assets, we integrate materials recovered from old assets into the production of new ones, aiming to close the material loop and create a circular value chain.
We are getting closer to this goal every day. Although we face some challenges with solar PV panels and wind turbine blades, we will continue working until we find the right solution.
JIDEP & EOLIAN Projects
Through projects supported by the EU Horizon 2020 grant program, we aim to contribute to the circular economy in the field of wind energy.
The JIDEP project focuses on creating a data exchange platform that supports the recycling and reuse of composite materials, while the EOLIAN project is centered on producing prototype blades using biodegradable materials.
By taking action for the blades nearing the end of their lifespan at the Gökçedağ Power Plant, we are guiding waste management and sustainable production processes.
These projects aim to strengthen circularity by repurposing decommissioned blades and developing new production methods.
Click here for more information.
Contributing to a Sustainable Future through the Circularity of Waste Tires
OEDAŞ collaborates with various partners to repurpose waste tires generated from construction machinery and vehicles. With a long life cycle, waste tires are primarily used by tire manufacturers as a petroleum-based input material in their production processes. This practice promotes the efficient use of resources while minimizing the environmental impact of waste.
In line with its "zero disposal" goal, Zorlu Enerji continues its waste management and circularity efforts with determination, contributing to a more sustainable future.
How We Do It?
Our goal is to ensure that no wind turbine blade or PV module ends up in a landfill, and to recover as much of the waste we generate as possible instead of disposing of it.
Our Circularity Goals
Reduce hazardous waste disposal by 10% compared to the previous year.
Reduce total waste disposal by 10% compared to the previous year.
Decrease ash waste by 10% compared to the previous year.
For updates on progress toward these goals, refer to our performance report.
Zorlu Enerji Environmental Goals
Zorlu Enerji Waste Management