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What materials are used to make wind turbines?

According to a report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Table 30), depending on make and model wind turbines are predominantly made of steel (66-79% of total turbine mass); fiberglass, resin or plastic (11-16%); iron or cast iron (5-17%); copper (1%); and aluminum (0-2%).



Many turbine components are domestically sourced and manufactured in the United States. According to the Land-Based Wind Market Report by the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, wind turbine towers are 60-75% domestically sourced, blade and hub components are 30-50% domestic, and nacelle assemblies are over 85% domestically sourced. However, many internal parts such as pitch and yaw systems, bearings, bolts, and controllers are typically imported.

Learn more: Wind Energy

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