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

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.