Novel methodology that makes wind power really green

A team of Danish researchers have devised a novel method for mapping and mitigating the negative environmental impacts of wind turbines, which considers the future removal and recycling of these offshore powerhouses by 2050.

Washington, Sept 23 : A team of Danish researchers have devised a novel method for mapping and mitigating the negative environmental impacts of wind turbines, which considers the future removal and recycling of these offshore powerhouses by 2050.

Wind turbines are considered one of the most effective ways to harness renewable wind power. But an assessment of the finite lifespan of wind turbines and the need to replace and recycle them ought to be taken into consideration to make wind energy more feasible, the scientists say.

In their study in the current issue of International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, the trio of Per Dannemand Andersen, Mads Borup and Thomas Krogh have combined the life-cycle assessment of wind turbines and future developments in this area of renewable energy.

They hope their methodology will help the wind power industry minimize any potential negative impact of their use.

"As the wind-turbine industry is relatively young, there is only a limited amount of practical experience on the removal and recycling of wind turbines. It is likely to take more than 20 years before a substantial amount of practical experience regarding the dismantling, separation, recycling, disposal, etc., of wind-power systems is gained," said Dannemand Andersen.

The present study has developed an interactive and process-oriented method for investigating the environmental impact of wind turbines removal and recycling.

The team hopes that the industry will adopt their approach and so find ways to reduce any negative impacts of wind power.

ANI