Life-cycle assessment of wind energy

Abstract

This chapter looks at wind power from the viewpoint of life-cycle assessment (LCA). Such analyses have, of course, been conducted at various times throughout the development of wind power, and their results have varied as the designs and main characteristics of wind turbines have evolved. For that reason, modern double-fed induction generator (DFIG) multimegawatt turbines are considered here, as this is the most frequently used type on wind farms. On that basis, a comprehensive LCA is conducted on a wind turbine, covering all phases from its manufacture to its decommissioning and the processing of waste at the end of its useful lifetime.