Life cycle assessment (LCA) of wind turbines - An analysis of potentials for design for environment

The initial assessment will be the starting point for the identification of options for improvement of the environmental performance. For each of the three fases of the lifecycle , production, utilisation and dismantling, of the windturbine a component system is identified for further analysis to demonstrate the perspective in design-for-environment. The results of the analysis will also be used as the basis for development of an environmental product declaration for a wind turbine. The project is a further development of a first LCA-screening of windturbines performed in 1999-2000 by Elsamprojekt and other Danish energy companies. Data from the environmental management system of Vestas Wind Systems and from subcontractors will be utilised for the LCA. The project will cooperate with a similar project under EFP 2000 with Risoe as leading partner