Assessing the Sustainability of Wooden Wind Turbine Blades and Towers Compared to Conventional Designs

Abstract

This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of wooden wind turbine blades and towers in comparison to conventional materials, focusing on lifecycle CO2 emissions, production energy, and recyclability. By analyzing components made from laminated veneer lumber, the assessment reveals that wooden blades can reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 80% relative to traditional fiberglass and epoxy designs. Wooden towers, designed in modular segments, exhibit up to a 66% reduction in lifecycle emissions when compared to steel towers, along with improved transport and assembly efficiencies. These findings highlight the potential for wood-based turbine components to advance sustainable energy through reduced environmental impact and the use of renewable resources, offering a promising alternative in the transition to eco-friendly energy infrastructure.