As the offshore wind industry plays a key role in the global transition to renewable energy, it is necessary to incorporate circular practices to decrease the environmental impact caused at the end of the windfarms lifecycle.
Wind farms are expected to have a service life of 20 to 30 years. Afterwards, the materials used to build these wind farms, such as steel, blades and foundations, risks becoming waste, however, integrating circular practices will help balance the environmental impact with sustainability.
The circular economy in offshore wind focuses on three core principles: Rethinking, reuse, and recycling.
Rethinking Desings for Longevity:
it is important to design offshore wind turbines with longevity in mind; by focusing on durability and predictive maintenance, it will be possible to extend the lifespan of the wind turbines. Making sure to Maintain the wind turbines will help ensure that components can still be reused/refurbished when decommissioning the wind turbines.
Reuse of components:
Offshore wind Turbines components can be reused and refurbished in other projects. Using refurbished components in other wind turbine projects helps decrease production and transportation costs.
Recycling of materials resources:
Recovering valuable materials resources from decommissioned wind turbines with the purpose of recycling, meaning saving the energy that will be used in the production of these materials, moreover, it helps divert landfill waste produced, preventing pollution, and conserving natural resources.
By focusing on the three core principles -Rethinking, Reuse and Recycling- the offshore wind farms will not only generate clean energy more efficiently but also pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
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