Impacts generated by the materials used in offshore wind technology on Human Health, Natural Environment and Resources
Juan Gabriel Rueda-Bayona, Juan José Cabello Eras, Tatiana R. Chaparro
Abstract
Offshore wind energy (OWE) shows rapid growth in reducing CO2 emissions. Although OWE is considered renewable several used materials in their activities, such as manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and dismantling of the wind farms, generate negative impacts on human health, the natural environment, and natural resources. To provide a better insight into these impacts on the OWE industry, this research generated the first detailed relationship between the main activities of the OWE industry, the turbine components, the main used materials, and the environmental impacts according to LCA's impact categories. Also, this study synthesized information about the impacts and energy consumption reported for the OWE industry, but also published for other industries about materials used in OWE. Their impacts have not been properly considered in the previous research. The results revealed that there is not enough information about LCA's assessment of the environmental effects generated in manufacturing some turbine components and during operation-maintenance activities. The results evidence that Steel is one of the main materials with the highest negative impacts and energy consumption, followed by Concrete, and petroleum-based materials. The findings of this research highlight the need for establishing strategies to replace the most contaminant materials with less harmful ones.