Cradle to Gate + EOL
Identity ID
16b16bc3-0077-43a9-85a6-a64cbf4a3361
Materials
Associated ID
e775c4cc-24d7-451a-9052-6167586ec45c
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
The product represents the production and end-of-life treatment of a single onshore wind turbine with a rated power of >=3, <4 MW. The main components of the wind turbine include the tower, blades, hub, nacelle (nacelle cover and equipment and parts inside the nacelle), and box substation. It is assumed that all products are manufactured and assembled at wind farms. During this stage, the materials consumed include fiberglass, epoxy resin, PVC, balsa wood, structural adhesives, steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, etc., while the main energy consumption is electricity. In the recycling and disposal phase, it is assumed that metal materials such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper, as well as wood in wind turbine components (including the tower), have a 90% recycling rate, while resin, glass fiber, plastics, and rubber are incinerated. Other materials are disposed of via landfill. The data are primarily derived from publicly available literature, representing the average conditions for onshore wind turbine manufacturing in China.
Activity Description
The process boundary includes raw material preparation, production, as well as demolition, recycling, and disposal phases, but excludes the service use phase.
Process Description
The product represents the production and recycling disposal of a single onshore wind turbine with a rated power ≥3, <4 MW, used for onshore wind power generation.
Time period
2023
2026
Geography
China
Geography comment
Based on industry average data.
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
The main components of the wind turbine include the tower, blades, hub, nacelle (nacelle cover and equipment and parts inside the nacelle), and box substation. It is assumed that all products are manufactured and assembled at wind farms. During this stage, the materials consumed include fiberglass, epoxy resin, PVC, balsa wood, structural adhesives, steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, etc., while the main energy consumption is electricity. In the recycling and disposal phase, it is assumed that metal materials such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper, as well as wood in wind turbine components (including the tower), have a 90% recycling rate, while resin, glass fiber, plastics, and rubber are incinerated. Other materials are disposed of via landfill.