SKF and RENERCYCLE are making progress in industrial sustainability with the RenerOil4Wind project, which aims to demonstrate the potential of remanufacturing used oils for critical applications in the wind energy sector.

This business partnership addresses a strategic need: to reduce waste, optimise resources and accelerate the circular economy without compromising operational reliability. The partnership combines SKF’s expertise in reliability, lubrication and industrial operations with RENERCYCLE’s technological capabilities in resource recovery solutions.

With the participation of RWE, STATKRAFT, ENHOL and ACCIONA ENERGIA, the project has validated solutions to extend the service life of industrial oil and reduce dependence on virgin raw materials.

Tests using SKF Double Separation Technology (commercially known as RecondOil) show a significant improvement in the performance of in-service oil, removing contaminants whilst maintaining its key physicochemical properties.

The results obtained reinforce the technical and environmental viability of the initiative:

· A reduction of over 90 per cent in solid contamination, achieving cleanliness levels comparable to those of new oil.

· Reduced potential for varnish formation, helping to limit critical causes of degradation and premature failure in wind turbine gearboxes.

· Maintenance of viscosity, chemical stability and lubricant base, confirming that the process cleans the oil without degrading it.

From an operational perspective, the reconditioned oil is a clear improvement on used oil, offering greater stability, better wear control and reduced surface damage.

The project also identifies areas for improvement to move towards a pre-industrial phase, particularly in terms of re-additivation strategies for extremely critical applications.

RenerOil4Wind positions the SKF–RENERCYCLE partnership as a platform for applied innovation to accelerate the circular transition of the wind energy sector, reducing waste, resource consumption and maintenance costs.

With this initiative, SKF and RENERCYCLE are reinforcing their role as strategic partners for a more efficient, resilient and sustainable wind energy industry.