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

Gloria Anna Carallo (), Marcello Casa (), Conor Kelly and Mohamad Alsaadi
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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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-18

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.

Keywords: LCA; wind blade; sustainability; composite materials; thermoplastics; GFRP; recyclable; environmental impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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