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Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Traditional and New Sustainable Wind Blade Construction

Author

Listed:
  • Gloria Anna Carallo

    (RINA Consulting S.p.A, via A. Cecchi, 6, 16129 Genoa, Italy)

  • Marcello Casa

    (RINA Consulting S.p.A, via A. Cecchi, 6, 16129 Genoa, Italy)

  • Conor Kelly

    (Éire Composites Teo, An Choill Rua, Indreabhán, H91 Y923 Galway, Ireland)

  • Mohamad Alsaadi

    (Éire Composites Teo, An Choill Rua, Indreabhán, H91 Y923 Galway, Ireland
    PRISM Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon, Dublin Rd, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gloria Anna Carallo & Marcello Casa & Conor Kelly & Mohamad Alsaadi, 2025. "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Traditional and New Sustainable Wind Blade Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2026-:d:1600549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jensen, J.P. & Skelton, K., 2018. "Wind turbine blade recycling: Experiences, challenges and possibilities in a circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 165-176.
    2. Burcin Atilgan Turkmen & Fatos Germirli Babuna, 2024. "Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Wind Turbines: A Path to Sustainability with Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Murray, Robynne E. & Roadman, Jason & Beach, Ryan, 2019. "Fusion joining of thermoplastic composite wind turbine blades: Lap-shear bond characterization," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 501-512.
    4. Murray, Robynne E. & Beach, Ryan & Barnes, David & Snowberg, David & Berry, Derek & Rooney, Samantha & Jenks, Mike & Gage, Bill & Boro, Troy & Wallen, Sara & Hughes, Scott, 2021. "Structural validation of a thermoplastic composite wind turbine blade with comparison to a thermoset composite blade," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 1100-1107.
    5. Mishnaevsky, Leon & Tempelis, Antonios & Kuthe, Nikesh & Mahajan, Puneet, 2023. "Recent developments in the protection of wind turbine blades against leading edge erosion: Materials solutions and predictive modelling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohamad Alsaadi & Tomas Flanagan & Daniel P. Fitzpatrick & Declan M. Devine, 2025. "The Delamination Behaviour of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced In Situ-Polymerisable Acrylic and Epoxy Composites: A Sustainable Solution for Marine Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-19, July.

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