Composite Materials in Renewable Energy Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Composite Materials in Renewable Energy Market size was estimated at USD 7.87 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 8.59 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 10.38% to reach USD 15.72 billion by 2032.

Composite materials have transitioned from niche applications in aerospace and automotive to becoming indispensable enablers of renewable energy infrastructure, owing to their unique combination of mechanical performance and adaptability. In particular, fiber-reinforced polymer composites-comprising a fiber reinforcement phase such as carbon or glass and a polymer resin matrix-are now central to energy technologies ranging from wind turbine blades to hydrogen storage vessels, and tidal energy systems. This evolution reflects mounting pressure on energy producers and manufacturers to meet ambitious decarbonization targets and to optimize system performance through lightweight, resilient materials

Across the wind energy sector, composites deliver the high strength-to-weight ratios necessary to fabricate longer, more aerodynamic turbine blades that capture greater energy at low wind speeds. Research initiatives at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory have underscored that composite materials, defined as two or more constituent materials combining to yield superior properties, remain the material of choice for utility-scale blades thanks to their ability to balance mechanical integrity with manufacturability and durability in harsh operating environments

In the solar industry, advanced composites fulfill both structural and functional roles. Lightweight yet robust composite frames reduce the overall mass of photovoltaic modules, simplifying installation and minimizing maintenance, while polymer-based composites enhanced with nanomaterials optimize thermal management and light absorption in high-temperature or low-light conditions. These characteristics extend the service life of solar arrays and sustain performance under extreme weather conditions

Moreover, carbon fiber–reinforced pressure vessels and composite piping systems are enabling efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen and natural gas, illustrating the versatility of composites across diverse renewable energy applications. As the sector seeks to replace conventional steel and aluminum assets, composites offer a compelling pathway to reduce lifecycle costs while meeting stringent performance requirements

A fundamental shift in public and industrial sentiment toward sustainability and circular economy principles has catalyzed the development of recyclable composite technologies, redefining the lifecycle approach to energy infrastructure components. In August 2024, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory unveiled a biomass-derived thermoset resin, known as PECAN, that can be chemically recycled and reused to manufacture wind turbine blades. This pioneering work demonstrates that bio-derived composite resins can perform on par with traditional thermoset systems while enabling an end-of-life recovery strategy previously unattainable for large-scale blade components

Concurrently, policy frameworks such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act have driven domestic manufacturing expansions by offering robust tax credits and advanced production incentives for renewable energy equipment. Since 2022, onshore wind component manufacturers have announced fifteen capacity expansions across the United States, a response to expanding tax credit windows and domestic content bonuses that reward the use of locally sourced materials. These incentives have reshaped investment priorities within composite supply chains, reinforcing the strategic importance of domestic production facilities for blades, towers, and nacelles

Industry collaborations are further accelerating transformative change. Gurit has implemented an integrated recycling process that converts PET foam waste into structural core materials for wind turbine blades, co-locating extruders alongside kitting operations to reclaim scrap in real time. Likewise, Composite Recycling and Owens Corning have formed a strategic partnership to incorporate reclaimed glass fibers into new glass reinforcement lines, signaling maturing circular economy initiatives at commercial scale

Advances in additive manufacturing and thermoplastic composite processes are also redefining production paradigms. By leveraging three-dimensional printing of thermoplastic blades, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are exploring thermally weldable blade structures that eliminate adhesive bonds, enhance recyclability, and streamline manufacturing cycles. These emerging techniques promise to lower production costs and facilitate the development of very long, high-performance blades, marking a new era in composite blade fabrication

In early April 2025, the U.S. administration introduced a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, including composite raw materials and finished products, effective April 5 at 12:01am. This measure, implemented with minimal prior notice, compelled composite manufacturers to reassess procurement strategies and elevated input costs across the board. Importantly, items in transit at the effective time were exempted, yet the sudden policy shift underscored the volatility of trade policy for renewable energy supply chains

Shortly thereafter, Wood Mackenzie analysts projected that proposed tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada coupled with an additional 10% duty on Chinese-origin components could raise onshore wind turbine costs by up to 7%, with ensuing project-level cost increases of approximately 5%. In scenarios where flat 25% tariffs applied to all foreign inputs, turbine costs could surge by 10% and overall project expenses climb by 7%, threatening the economic viability of marginal wind installations under current supply configurations

Negotiators subsequently brokered a bilateral agreement with China, effective May 13, 2025, reducing the cumulative tariff burden from 115% to 55% for 90 days across most imported goods. Under this pact, duties on items subject to specific product tariffs such as steel, aluminum, and automotive parts remain governed by their existing tariff schedules. The temporary relief window, expiring August 12, 2025, offers a brief reprieve for composite material imports but leaves long-term policy direction uncertain

Meanwhile, efforts to accelerate the expiration of key clean energy tax credits and impose higher duties on foreign entities of concern have introduced further ambiguity. A proposed House budget bill aiming to curtail manufacturing tax credits and raise import tariffs has already led to the downsizing or cancellation of approximately $8 billion in clean energy projects in early 2025, reinforcing the critical nexus between stable policy signals and investment decisions in composite-based renewables manufacturing

When assessing composite market dynamics by resin type, it is essential to recognize the prevalence of thermoset systems-epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester-in renewable energy applications. Epoxy resins, particularly bisphenol A variants, deliver superior mechanical strength and fatigue resistance for wind turbine blade prepregs, while novolac-based epoxies address elevated thermal requirements in concentrated solar power components. Polyester resins, including isophthalic, orthophthalic, and unsaturated formulations, offer cost-effectiveness and corrosion resilience for hydropower and marine energy enclosures, whereas vinyl ester resins, often styrene-modified, strike a balance between durability and processability for smaller-scale solar module frames

Fiber type also exerts a profound influence on composite performance. Aramid fibers, available in meta-aramid and para-aramid grades, provide exceptional impact resistance and are favored for marine energy turbine housings and corrosion-resistant offshore platforms. Carbon fibers, graded as high, intermediate, and standard modulus, enable ultra-lightweight, high-strength structures such as hydrogen storage vessels and long-span wind blades, with suppliers expanding capacity to address growing demand. Glass fibers-categorized as C-glass, E-glass, and S-glass-remain the most widely adopted reinforcement for cost-sensitive wind turbine blades, wind blade shear webs, and submersible hydrokinetic turbine components

The choice of manufacturing process further defines product characteristics and cost structure. Filament winding dominates the fabrication of high-pressure storage vessels for natural gas and hydrogen, whereas resin transfer molding and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding are increasingly used for large, complex wind blade sections and offshore turbine nacelles. Pultrusion offers continuous profiles for lightweight structural support beams, and sheet molding compound processes enable rapid, high-volume production of smaller composite enclosures and solar panel junction boxes. Hand layup remains a flexible choice for prototypes, custom marine turbine geometries, and specialized geothermal casing connectors.

Finally, fiber orientation and composite architecture determine the mechanical anisotropy essential for diverse end uses. Unidirectional prepregs deliver maximum stiffness and strength along blade spanwise axes, multiaxial fabrics reinforce shear webs and tower connections, woven textiles enhance impact tolerance in tidal turbine blades, and chopped strand mats serve as economical cores for solar module frames, highlighting the interplay between fiber orientation and application demands

In the Americas, federal and state-level incentives have fueled significant onshore composite manufacturing momentum. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act has unlocked advanced manufacturing production tax credits that have prompted fifteen capacity announcements for wind turbine component facilities since 2022. Moreover, domestic content bonuses for sourcing U.S.-made composite feedstocks have realigned global supply chains, encouraging vertically integrated resin and fiber operations to locate in the region. As a result, North American producers are investing in new plants for blade, nacelle, and pressure vessel components, driven by the imperative to secure stable, cost-effective supply within an evolving policy environment

Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, rigorous sustainability mandates are redefining composite material standards. European Union directives on end-of-life recycling and circular economy objectives have elevated blade recyclability and composite waste recovery to top priorities. Leading OEMs such as Vestas have pledged zero-waste turbines by 2040, prompting increased collaboration across the value chain to develop closed-loop recycling systems for thermoset composites. Simultaneously, the region’s maturation of offshore wind markets in the North Sea and Mediterranean has driven specialization in corrosion-resistant fiber systems and advanced resin formulations to meet stringent durability requirements in harsh marine environments

In the Asia-Pacific region, China’s dominance in composite raw material production continues to shape global market dynamics. Accounting for approximately 65% of glass fiber capacity and nearly half of global carbon fiber production, Chinese manufacturers offer low-cost reinforcements that challenge established North American, European, and Japanese suppliers. Nevertheless, domestic renewable energy expansions in India, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia are also accelerating demand for locally sourced, high-performance composites in solar, wind, and hydro installations. This dual force-massive low-cost supply and growing regional demand-has intensified competitive pressures and spurred targeted technology collaborations throughout Asia-Pacific.

Toray Composite Materials America has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the renewable energy transition through a major capacity expansion at its Spartanburg, South Carolina facility. The 30,000 square foot expansion, set to add 3,000 metric tons of carbon fiber capacity in 2025, is specifically aimed at industrial-strength applications such as compressed natural gas and hydrogen storage pressure vessels. This investment reflects the company’s strategy to align production capabilities with the growing demand for clean energy solutions and to ensure a resilient, vertically integrated carbon fiber supply chain in North America

Owens Corning has undertaken a strategic divestiture to sharpen its focus on core markets by selling its glass reinforcements business to the Praana Group for an enterprise value of $755 million. This transaction enables Owens Corning to concentrate on residential and commercial building products in North America and Europe, while allowing the Praana Group to integrate advanced glass fiber capabilities into its industrial materials portfolio. The move underscores the company’s efforts to optimize its segment focus and drive long-term shareholder value through targeted portfolio management

Gurit has distinguished itself through a series of sustainability-focused investments aimed at creating a circular composites ecosystem for the wind energy sector. The company’s co-location strategy for PET foam recycling allows structural core waste to be directly reclaimed and reprocessed into foam core materials with minimal energy consumption. Additionally, Gurit has launched bio-based core materials and entered collaborative research initiatives to develop large-scale composite recycling solutions, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable core materials innovation for renewable energy applications

Hexcel Corporation’s first quarter 2025 financial results revealed a mixed performance across its segments. While Defense and Space sales increased modestly, the Industrial segment, which includes wind applications, experienced a decline due to persistent cost pressures and project delays in key markets. Despite these headwinds, Hexcel continues to invest in R&D and expand renewable energy offerings, focusing on advanced prepregs and next-generation honeycomb structures to meet evolving customer performance requirements in turbine blade manufacturing

Industry leaders must adopt a multifaceted strategy to navigate the evolving composite materials landscape effectively. Firstly, establishing diversified supply chains that balance domestic production with selective global sourcing can mitigate cost volatility induced by tariffs and trade policies. By forging long-term partnerships with fiber and resin suppliers, manufacturers can secure preferential pricing and volume guarantees while retaining flexibility in response to policy shifts.

Secondly, prioritizing investment in recyclable composite technologies-such as bio-based thermoset resins and thermoplastic manufacturing processes-can unlock circular economy benefits and align product portfolios with emerging sustainability mandates. Collaborating with national laboratories and research consortia to pilot advanced recycling methods will also de-risk technology adoption and accelerate pathway commercialization.

In addition, aligning capital expenditure plans with government incentives and regulatory timelines is crucial. Executives should map proposed facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and R&D initiatives against tax credit windows and domestic content requirements to maximize financial returns. Engaging policymakers through industry associations can further inform strategic decision-making and influence future trade and environmental regulations.

Finally, fostering cross-sector partnerships-linking composite producers, renewable energy developers, and end-of-life recycling specialists-will be essential for building robust, closed-loop supply chains. By integrating capabilities across the value chain, industry leaders can reduce material waste, lower lifecycle costs, and strengthen resilience in the face of market disruptions.

This research leverages a structured methodology designed to ensure comprehensive coverage and analytical rigor. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews with C-level executives and technical directors from leading composite manufacturers, renewable energy developers, and industry associations. These qualitative insights provided context for evolving technology trends, policy impacts, and strategic decision-making processes.

Secondary data was sourced from peer-reviewed journals, government publications, industry whitepapers, and proprietary databases. Emphasis was placed on synthesizing findings from multiple reputable sources-such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratory network, Wood Mackenzie analyses, and trade association reports-to triangulate key developments in composite materials for renewable energy applications.

Quantitative data on tariff schedules, production capacities, and financial performance was validated against official government notifications, corporate earnings releases, and recognized market intelligence platforms. Data integrity checks included cross-referencing tariff provisions with published trade agreements and verifying capacity expansion announcements against press releases and public filings.

Finally, an expert advisory panel comprising composite engineering specialists, trade policy analysts, and renewable energy consultants reviewed the draft findings, offering critical feedback that informed the final report structure. This iterative validation process ensures that conclusions and recommendations are both actionable and grounded in the most up-to-date industry intelligence.

Composite materials are unequivocally central to the renewable energy transition, offering distinct advantages in performance, weight reduction, and environmental resilience that conventional materials cannot match. Through a synergy of technological innovation, strategic investment, and policy incentives, the industry has evolved from a focus on incremental improvements to pursuing transformative solutions such as recyclable resins and thermoplastic manufacturing processes.

Trade dynamics and tariff volatility have underscored the importance of agile supply chain strategies, while domestic production incentives have reshaped investment landscapes, particularly in wind turbine component manufacturing. At the same time, emerging circular economy initiatives are redefining end-of-life considerations, driving collaborations that seek to close material loops and minimize environmental impact.

Segment-specific analysis reveals that resin chemistry, fiber selection, manufacturing techniques, and fiber orientation must be carefully aligned with application requirements, whether in wind blades, solar modules, geothermal casings, or hydrogen storage vessels. Regional distinctions in policy frameworks and market maturity further influence strategic priorities, requiring tailored approaches across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.

Looking ahead, industry leaders who integrate sustainable manufacturing practices, leverage cross-sector partnerships, and align capital investments with evolving regulatory landscapes will be best positioned to capitalize on composite materials’ full potential in renewable energy systems. The path forward demands both technological agility and strategic foresight to achieve enduring competitive advantage.

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