Assessing options for decarbonization and metal reduction in offshore wind turbines using life cycle analysis
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Meghann Smith
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
The offshore wind (OSW) industry is projected to grow tenfold globally. New Jersey has set an ambitious goal of providing 11 GW from OSW by 2040. The move towards clean energy has been dubbed as a “shift from a fuel-intensive to a material-intensive energy system.” The renewable energy sector has driven demand for metals, including steel, REE and copper and studies have shown that producing OSW turbines can generate as much as 220 tons of CO2/ MW. This strain on the environment combats OSW sector's ability to truly decarbonize the energy sector. The impact of the offshore wind industry can be measured using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Measuring and quantifying impacts helps turbine developers and manufacturers identify areas where sustainability targets can be improved. This study focuses on analyzing the impact on global warming potential and mineral resource scarcity of a planned offshore wind farm utilizing 15-MW turbines. Based on the study’s functional unit of 1 GW of electricity produced, results show estimations of 6980 kg CO2 eq emissions and 435 kg Cu eq impact to metal depletion. This ongoing work uses the above baseline model to compare alternative OSW technologies, including the following scenarios: 1) a decarbonized steel sector, 2) utilizing carbon fiber composite, and 3) replacing REE material. By identifying opportunities for improving the sustainable design of the components of an OSW turbine, this study can help direct production and manufacturing goals for future suppliers here in the US prior to mid-to long term deployment of OSW turbines.
Assessing options for decarbonization and metal reduction in offshore wind turbines using life cycle analysis
The offshore wind (OSW) industry is projected to grow tenfold globally. New Jersey has set an ambitious goal of providing 11 GW from OSW by 2040. The move towards clean energy has been dubbed as a “shift from a fuel-intensive to a material-intensive energy system.” The renewable energy sector has driven demand for metals, including steel, REE and copper and studies have shown that producing OSW turbines can generate as much as 220 tons of CO2/ MW. This strain on the environment combats OSW sector's ability to truly decarbonize the energy sector. The impact of the offshore wind industry can be measured using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Measuring and quantifying impacts helps turbine developers and manufacturers identify areas where sustainability targets can be improved. This study focuses on analyzing the impact on global warming potential and mineral resource scarcity of a planned offshore wind farm utilizing 15-MW turbines. Based on the study’s functional unit of 1 GW of electricity produced, results show estimations of 6980 kg CO2 eq emissions and 435 kg Cu eq impact to metal depletion. This ongoing work uses the above baseline model to compare alternative OSW technologies, including the following scenarios: 1) a decarbonized steel sector, 2) utilizing carbon fiber composite, and 3) replacing REE material. By identifying opportunities for improving the sustainable design of the components of an OSW turbine, this study can help direct production and manufacturing goals for future suppliers here in the US prior to mid-to long term deployment of OSW turbines.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.