How Sustainable Is Wind Energy? A Life-Cycle Analysis
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Wind energy is poised to become our foremost energy generation source. Given its large energy generation potential, wind energy is often viewed as one of our most sustainable resources. So, we had to ask: How sustainable is wind energy?
Overall, wind energy is considered to be sustainable energy. Advancements in wind turbine efficiency and recycling have increased wind energy’s sustainability. Sustainable energy is derived from processes that do not jeopardize the energy needs of future generations.
Keep reading to learn how sustainable wind energy is throughout its life cycle, what its carbon footprint is, what role it plays in combating climate change, and how safe or dangerous it is.
Here’s How Sustainable Wind Energy Is
Wind energy is defined as the conversion of moving air into electrical energy through the use of wind turbines.
“Wind: a current of air moving approximately horizontally, especially one strong enough to be felt”
Cambridge Dictionary
Wind energy has become one of our most advanced, widespread, and sustainable renewable energy technologies. Sustainable energy sources meet the needs of our current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”
Oxford Dictionary
Given the worsening climate crisis, sustainable energy has to come to represent a larger share of the overall energy market.
To understand how sustainable wind energy is, we must assess its life-cycle and each stage’s carbon footprint. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more sustainable products. So, let’s have a look at the LCA of wind energy!
| How sustainable is wind energy overall | Overall, wind energy is considered sustainable and has been made even more sustainable in recent years due to advancements in wind turbine efficiency and recycling. We also generate a fraction of the amount of energy that the sun gives off, which creates wind, meaning we can continue to sustainably harvest wind energy for many years to come. |
| Building of wind energy | Wind farm construction has become more sustainable in recent years with advancements in wind turbine efficiency. |
| Operating and maintaining of wind energy | This stage is sustainable, especially because wind is a form of solar energy, and the sun won’t run out of fuel for another 5 billion years. This means we can continue to use wind energy for many years to come. |
| Building back of wind energy | Wind turbines are built to last 30 years, and some of their components can be recycled and repurposed at the end of their life cycle. |
How Sustainable Is Wind Energy Overall
Overall, wind energy is considered sustainable and has been made even more sustainable in recent years due to advancements in wind turbine efficiency and recycling. We also generate a fraction of the amount of energy that the sun gives off, which creates wind, meaning we can continue to sustainably harvest wind energy for many years to come.
How Sustainable Is the Building of Wind Energy
The building stage of wind energy involves constructing wind turbines and electricity delivery mechanisms.
Innovations in wind energy technology’s history have made wind energy more sustainable, with wind turbine efficiency being a major development.
Wind turbine average commercial energy conversion rates have increased over the years to reach 25-45% today. Experts have calculated the ceiling of wind energy efficiency, known as the Betz Limit, to be approximately 60%. So we are already approaching the limits of what is theoretically possible.
The more efficient wind turbines are, the less of them we need to generate the same amount of energy. And because turbines themselves come with a carbon footprint, generating more energy from fewer turbines is beneficial.
In addition, wind energy is an efficient use of space. Although wind farms require large amounts of land, the turbines themselves do not take up large amounts of land. Because turbines must be spaced far apart from each other, the land in between them can be used for other sustainable activities, including agriculture.
How Sustainable Is the Operating and Maintaining of Wind Energy
The operating and maintaining stage of wind energy includes the process by which wind farms capture wind and convert it into electricity.
Wind energy can continue to be sustainable so long as the rate of harvest does not exceed the rate of replenishment.
Wind is a form of solar energy that is caused by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface, irregularities of the earth’s surface, and the earth’s rotation. The sun will eventually run out of fuel and begin to die, but this won’t happen for another 5 billion years.
Until then, we can continue to harness some of the 44 quadrillion watts of solar energy that fall upon Earth every year. To put it into perspective, it would take roughly 44 million power plants producing 1 billion watts of power to equal the amount of energy coming from the sun.
Given that we generated 2,700 terawatts of wind energy in 2022, we can continue to harvest wind energy for many years to come.
How Sustainable Is the Building Back of Wind Energy
Building back wind energy involves utilizing construction equipment to decommission wind turbines and restoring the land to its original form.
Wind turbines themselves have an average life expectancy of 30 years. The foundation and towers typically follow this timeline, but smaller parts such as gearboxes, blades, and generators are usually replaced sooner.
Recycling end-of-life wind turbines can reduce their impact on the environment. The technology to recycle wind turbines does exist, but the practice is not currently in widespread use. Just in 2022, Carbon Rivers, a US-based company, commercialized a process to reclaim glass fibers from decommissioned wind turbine blades. Because turbine blades are typically 50% glass or carbon fiber composite by weight, recycling them can significantly reduce their environmental impact.
What Is the Carbon Footprint of Wind Energy
The carbon footprint is one of the ways we measure the effects of human-induced global climate change. It primarily focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with consumption and includes other emissions such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
“Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gasses and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period”
Merriam Webster
Although wind energy emits zero to no GHG emissions upon operation, there are emissions associated with other stages of its life cycle including manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, decommissioning, and dismantlement of materials.
On a life-cycle basis, onshore wind energy emits 11 and offshore wind energy emits 12 grams of CO2 equivalent per kWh of electricity produced, the joint-lowest out of all fuel types.
Have a look at the illustration below to see the average life-cycle CO2 equivalent emissions of different energy sources and how they compare to wind energy.
What Role Does Wind Energy Play in Combating Climate Change
Climate change is arguably the most severe, long-term, global impact of fossil fuel combustion. Every year, approximately 37 billion tons of CO2 are emitted from burning fossil fuels. The carbon found in fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the air to produce CO2. This warms the earth by acting as a heating blanket, and a warmer earth comes with a host of negative side effects.
Using wind energy instead of fossil fuel energy helps mitigate the following negative effects of climate change:
- Increasing temperatures: Earth’s atmosphere has warmed 1.5℃ since 1880. This may not seem like a lot, but these degrees create regional and seasonal temperature extremes, reduce sea ice, intensify rainfall and drought severity, and change habitat ranges for plants and animals.
- Rising sea levels: Global sea levels have increased approximately 8-9 inches since 1880, displacing people living along coastlines and destroying coastal habitats. Roads, bridges, subways, water supplies, oil and gas wells, power plants, sewage treatment plants, and landfills remain at risk if sea level rise goes unchecked.
- Melting of sea ice: Since 1979, arctic sea ice has declined by 30%. Sea ice plays a major role in regulating the earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight into space and providing habitat for animal species. If all of the glaciers on Earth melted, sea levels would rise by approximately 70 feet, effectively flooding out every coastal city on the planet.
- Changing precipitation patterns: Extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts) are becoming more common and more intense. Storm-affected areas will experience increased precipitation and flooding whereas areas located further from storm tracks will experience decreased precipitation and droughts.
- Ocean acidification: The ocean absorbs 30% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere, which decreases the pH (increases the acidity) of the ocean. In the past 200 years, the pH of oceans has decreased by 0.1 pH units, which translates to a 30% increase in acidity. Aquatic life unable to adjust to this rapid acidification will die off. A prime example of this is coral bleaching, where coral expels the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues as a result of changes in temperature, light, or nutrients.
The more we reduce CO2 emissions, the more we slow the rate of temperature rise, sea-level rise, ice melting, and ocean acidification. When these rates are slowed, the earth’s biodiversity does not have to struggle to adapt to temperature and pH changes. People will not be displaced due to the flooding of coastal areas. And icebergs will continue to provide climate regulation.
To help keep global temperature rise below 1.5C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, we must shift at least 80% of our electricity generation to low-carbon sources. Over 120 countries have already stated their net-zero carbon emissions ambitions for 2050 or 2060. But only 12 countries have thus far proposed or enacted any legislation, indicating that there is more work to be done.
How Clean Is Wind Energy
Overall, wind energy is considered to be clean energy.
“Clean energy: energy, as electricity or nuclear power, that does not pollute the atmosphere when used, as opposed to coal and oil”
Collins Dictionary
Wind energy produces virtually no greenhouse gasses or any other kind of environmental pollution upon its operation.
| How clean is the building of wind energy | Emissions at this stage vary based on the type and size of the wind farms, with larger farms requiring more materials and resulting in more emissions from construction. Essentially, the smaller the wind farm, the cleaner the building stage is considered. |
| How clean is the operating and maintaining of wind energy | There are very few CO2 emissions or waste products associated with operating and maintaining wind energy, making this stage very clean. |
| How clean is the building back of wind energy | Emissions at this stage vary based on the type and size of the wind farm, with larger farms requiring more effort to decommission. Essentially, the smaller the wind farm, the cleaner the building back stage is considered. |
How Renewable Is Wind Energy
Overall, wind energy is considered to be renewable energy.
“Renewable Energy: energy that is produced using the sun, wind, etc., or from crops, rather than using fuels such as oil or coal | types of energy that can be replaced naturally such as energy produced from wind or water”
Cambridge Dictionary
Wind energy is flow-limited, naturally replenishing, virtually inexhaustible, and limited in the amount of energy available in a set amount of time.
| How renewable is the building of wind energy | This initial stage of wind energy is not considered to be renewable because it involves constructing and not repurposing or re-using. |
| How renewable is the operating and maintaining of wind energy | This stage is renewable because we harness only a fraction of the amount of energy the sun gives off, and it naturally replenishes itself over time. |
| How renewable is the building back of wind energy | Wind turbines are built to last 30 years, and some of their components can be recycled and repurposed at the end of their life cycle. |
How Green Is Wind Energy
Overall, wind energy is considered to be green energy.
“Green Energy: energy that can be produced in a way that protects the natural environment, for example by using wind, water, or the sun”
Cambridge Dictionary
Wind energy has a low to zero-emissions profile and carbon footprint reductions that provide the highest environmental benefits.
| How green is the building of wind energy | The building stage of wind energy has a low carbon footprint when compared to fossil fuels, and wind can have a minimal impact on the land if proper siting measures are followed. |
| How green is the operating and maintaining of wind energy | Wind energy emits minimal greenhouse gasses and has a minimal effect on the environment, provided that proper siting of wind farms occurs. |
| How green is the building back of wind energy | Recycling end-of-life wind turbines can help reduce their environmental impact. |
How Environmentally Friendly Is Wind Energy
Overall, wind energy is considered to be environmentally friendly.
“Environmentally friendly: (of products) not harming the environment.”
Cambridge Dictionary
Wind energy does just as the word implies, it has a minimal, negative impact on the environment.
| How environmentally friendly is the building of wind energy | The building of wind energy can be environmentally friendly so long as clearing the land for construction does not disturb natural habitats and degrade the land. |
| How environmentally friendly is the operating and maintaining of wind energy | Wind energy emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment, provided that proper siting of wind farms occurs. |
| How environmentally friendly is the building back of wind energy | Wind turbines are not considered to be toxic to the environment. Recycling end-of-life wind turbines can help reduce their environmental impact. |
How Safe or Dangerous Is Wind Energy
Overall, wind energy is not considered to be dangerous. Holistically and throughout its life cycle, wind is safe and beneficial for human and animal health, the environment, and the energy grid. It is also significantly safer than fossil fuels and other types of renewable energy.
Here’s How Safe Wind Energy Is
Overall, wind energy is a safe form of energy regarding human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and throughout all stages of its life cycle.
| How Safe Is Wind Energy at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Wind energy is safe for human and animal health and can be made safer with proper siting, monitoring, and maintenance of wind farms. Environment: Wind energy emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Wind energy is a safe and beneficial addition to our power grid. It promotes the decentralization of our energy supply, which increases power grid efficiency by reducing peak time usage and decreasing the likelihood of power outages. Human and Animal Health: Wind energy is safe for human and animal health and can be made safer with proper siting, monitoring, and maintenance of wind farms. Environment: Wind energy emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Wind energy is a safe and beneficial addition to our power grid. It promotes the decentralization of our energy supply, which increases power grid efficiency by reducing peak time usage and decreasing the likelihood of power outages. |
| How Safe Is Wind Energy Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Safe work practices and proper training of wind professionals can mitigate any risks associated with constructing wind farms. Operating and Maintaining: Wind energy is considered safe to operate and maintain because it does not harm human health or the environment when producing energy. Building Back: This final stage is considered to be safe overall, with the most common workplace hazards (lifting, trips and falls, electricity, and ladders) able to be mitigated by safe work practices. |
| How Safe Is Wind Energy In Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Wind energy is one of our safest forms of energy and has one of the lowest death rates from accidents and air pollution per unit of electricity generation. |
Here’s How Dangerous Wind Energy Is
Overall, wind energy is considered minimally dangerous in terms of human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and through all stages of its life cycle.
| How Dangerous Is Wind Energy at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Wind energy is not dangerous to humans and is minimally dangerous to animals, with the main concerns being habitat loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Environment: Wind energy is minimally dangerous to the environment, with land degradation being the main concern. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Wind energy is not considered to be dangerous to our energy grid or supporting infrastructure. |
| How Dangerous Is Wind Energy Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Building wind farms can expose workers to arc flashes (arc flash burn and blast hazards), electric shock, falls, and thermal burns. Operating and Maintaining: Wind energy has minimal dangers associated with this stage, with burns and electric shock being the most common. Building Back: The most common workplace hazards of this stage include those resulting from lifting, trips and falls, electricity, and ladders. |
| How Dangerous Is Wind Energy In Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Wind energy is significantly less dangerous than fossil fuels and other types of renewable energy. In fact, wind is one of the, if not the, safest forms of energy with a death rate of only 0.04 deaths per terawatt-hour of electricity produced. |
Final Thoughts
Overall, wind energy has been made more sustainable in recent years due to advancements in wind turbine efficiency and ecycling. We also generate a fraction of the amount of energy that the sun gives off, which creates wind energy, meaning we can continue to sustainably harvest wind energy for many years to come.
Sustainable energy is poised to see continued growth in the future as we look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. As we look towards a future powered by renewables, wind energy is predicted to continue increasing in capacity because it benefits both our atmosphere and Earth’s biota.
Stay impactful,
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