Issues regarding wind turbines positioning: A benchmark study with the application of the life cycle assessment approach

In the specific study a number of issues are addressed and discussed regarding wind turbines positioning in terms of land, coastal and offshore installation. More specifically, technical, environmental, energy, social and economical parameters are evaluated, providing thus a holistic assessment of the systems under examination. The analysis of the systems is based on literature references, theoretical calculations and simulation scenarios, taking into account life cycle thinking. The environmental assessment is performed with the application of special life cycle assessment software, and the results are considered to be representative for Greece and Mediterranean regions. Indicatively, it can be inferred that land wind turbines seem to be the environmentally friendliest choice. Significant questions are raised regarding wind turbines waste management schemes and their material usage. On the other hand, the offshore wind turbine surpasses the other two versions in terms of energy and financial reimbursement. However, existing barriers of different nature, i.e. financial, administrative and/or social may hold up the rapid development of the wind (onshore or offshore) energy in many European countries. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.