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Life cycle environmental analysis of offshore wind power: A case study of the large-scale offshore wind farm in China

Author

Listed:
  • Cao, Yuwei
  • Meng, Yiqun
  • Zhang, Zongyue
  • Yang, Qing
  • Li, Yifei
  • Liu, Chuang
  • Ba, Shusong

Abstract

China's decarbonization is indispensable for the large-scale utilization of renewable energy. In this process, the development of offshore wind energy has become an important support, because in the eastern region of China, especially the coastal areas, there's the most load requirements but limited onshore renewable resources. Under the goals of both carbon neutral and sustainable development, however, there's still a research gap in evaluating the environmental impacts of large-scale offshore wind plants in China. In this study, the research performed a comprehensive process-based life cycle environmental analysis of a large-scale (400 MW) offshore wind farm with large wind turbine units (5 MW) in China. Global Warming Potential is 25.73 g CO2-eq/kWh and greenhouse gas payback time is calculated as 12.05 months. Fossil fuel consumption amounts to 0.31 MJ/kWh with an energy payback period of 25.56 months. Material resources and ecotoxicity to freshwater need more attention with the values of 1.68 CTUe/kWh and 3.32 10−6 kg Sb-eq/kWh, respectively. The manufacturing stage contributes most to all the impacts examined. The disposal and recycling process shows significant environmental benefits for most impacts but exerts burdens on the particulate matter. Focusing on Global Warming Potential, the wind turbine generation set has the highest effect, among which the blades contribute 73.2% of it. Further, the evolution of electricity and heating mix of China and use of biomass-based precursors could decrease 57% of the blades' greenhouse gas emissions in 2050. This study could provide guidance on the sustainable design and policy-making of offshore wind farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Yuwei & Meng, Yiqun & Zhang, Zongyue & Yang, Qing & Li, Yifei & Liu, Chuang & Ba, Shusong, 2024. "Life cycle environmental analysis of offshore wind power: A case study of the large-scale offshore wind farm in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:196:y:2024:i:c:s1364032124000741
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114351
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stacey L. Dolan & Garvin A. Heath, 2012. "Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Utility‐Scale Wind Power," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 16(s1), pages 136-154, April.
    2. Manfred Lenzen, 2002. "Differential Convergence of Life‐Cycle Inventories toward Upstream Production Layers," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 6(3‐4), pages 137-160, July.
    3. Liang Tsai & Jarod C. Kelly & Brett S. Simon & Rachel M. Chalat & Gregory A. Keoleian, 2016. "Life Cycle Assessment of Offshore Wind Farm Siting: Effects of Locational Factors, Lake Depth, and Distance from Shore," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 20(6), pages 1370-1383, December.
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