Blade materials selection influence on sustainability: a case study through LCA

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the environmental influence that blade materials have on the entire wind turbine lifecycle is considered. In order to quantify and compare the effects that a specific material’s choice has with respect to one another, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools are used. Specific focus is addressed on aspects related to the wind turbine rotor-blade and how that affects the whole turbine. The blade lifecycle is divided into five main stages: (1) raw material sourcing, (2) blade manufacturing, (3) blade installation, (4) Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and (5) End-of-Life (EoL). Materials sourcing is found responsible for the largest contribution in Green House Gas (GHG) emission in the turbine and blade lifecycle. Particularly, a case study on a representative blade production in Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) is disclosed and compared to a hypothetical blade production where a recyclable resin system is being used. The lifecycle assessment shows a 28% reduced amount of GHG emissions when the recyclable resin system is employed. By employing such resin system most of blade materials could be separated and re-used at the blade EoL, enabling a 90% blade recycling rate. An even greater advantage of achieving blade circularity is therefore envisioned.