Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Traditional and New Sustainable Wind Blade Construction
Gloria Anna Carallo, Marcello Casa, Conor Kelly, Mohamad Alsaadi
Abstract
The introduction of renewable energy sources (RESs) in the electricity grid mix is essential for a greener world. Wind offshore energy, known for its high flexibility and social acceptance, plays a significant role in this transition. However, the disposal of non-recyclable epoxy–GFRP wind blades produced and installed in the 1990s and 2000s poses environmental challenges. This study explores the development of a novel wind blade using sustainable materials, aiming to enhance eco-friendliness. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) highlights the environmental benefits of replacing epoxy with a thermoplastic recyclable resin in GFRP blades. The findings demonstrate a substantial reduction in environmental footprint, with a 30% decrease in climate change impact, a 97% reduction in freshwater ecotoxicity and a 95% reduction in marine eutrophication. It is evident from the LCA that the replacement of epoxy with a thermoplastic recyclable resin in a GFRP blade substantially reduces its environmental footprint and significantly contributes to the circular economy of RESs.