A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand reveals that within less than two years of operation, a wind farm can counterbalance the carbon emissions produced over its entire 30-year lifespan when compared to thermal power plants.
Conducted by the Sustainable Energy Systems research group at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, the study draws on data from the Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Lead author Isabella Pimentel Pincelli affirms that while the study focused on New Zealand, the findings are likely applicable to wind farms globally.
Pimentel Pincelli emphasizes, “The outcomes of our study underscore the environmental efficiency of onshore wind farms and their important role in the energy transition.”
The research examines the life cycle of wind farms, from manufacturing turbine parts to decommissioning, using real construction data from the Harapaki wind farm, comprising 41 turbines.
Co-author Professor Alan Brent stresses the importance of addressing the environmental impacts of wind turbine manufacturing, which contributes significantly to carbon footprints. He suggests exploring eco-friendly manufacturing processes and recycling end-of-life blades to mitigate emissions.
The study suggests that by implementing a recycling process for wind turbine blades, emissions could potentially be reduced from 10.8 gCO2eq to 9.7 gCO2eq.
While the study focuses on energy intensity and emissions throughout the wind farm's lifecycle, it acknowledges other environmental impacts such as ozone depletion and resource depletion. Social, wildlife, and economic impacts were not considered.
The findings underscore the critical role of onshore wind farms in sustainable development, prompting further exploration into eco-friendly manufacturing processes and ongoing research to inform decision-making processes.
