Wind turbine siting from a life cycle perspective : assessing relevant parameters for location choice

This paper presents an assessment of the environmental impact of a 5 megawatt (MW) wind turbine (WT) at different fictive locations including onshore and offshore. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the influence of relevant site-dependent parameters on the ecological footprint of a WT. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out using SimaPro software to calculate various impact indicators. This method takes into account all stages from raw material extraction to final disposal (cradle to grave). Data and information needed for the analysis was obtained through interviews, literature and the ecoinvent database. Multiple LCAs of a WT resulted in a global warming potential (GWP) within a range of 11.6 – 18 g CO2-eq/kWh in different onshore locations and 17.5 – 39.4 g CO2-eq/kWh in different offshore locations. Manufacturing processes of steel, concrete and fiberglass belong to the most prominent contributors of GHG emissions over the entire life cycle. This corresponds to an increase in environmental impact of +56% for onshore and +126% for offshore scenarios. Variations in wind resource availability, grid/shore proximity, ground conditions and ground roughness significantly influence both the energy output and life cycle emissions of wind energy systems. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive site assessments during the planning phase of wind energy projects. Incorporating site-specific data into life cycle assessments ensures more accurate evaluations of environmental performance and can guide optimal site selection. In the wider sense, optimizing site parameters not only enhances the sustainability of wind energy systems but also supports broader climate and energy policy goals.