3594 Designing offshore wind turbines: Literature review on decarbonisation, circularity, and environmental impact reduction

Overview:

The transition to a low-carbon economy has accelerated the growth of renewable energy technologies, with offshore wind playing a pivotal role in achieving national and global net zero targets. To support this shift, the Energy Institute Offshore Wind Environmental Forum (EI-OWEF) commissioned guidance focused on improving the sustainability of offshore wind turbine structures. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the guidance explores how design decisions can influence carbon emissions, circular resource use, and broader environmental impacts throughout the turbine life cycle.

The document identifies key carbon emission hotspots and opportunities for circularity across the wind turbine value chain, offering actionable recommendations for designers. It outlines relevant legislation and the business case for circularity, and includes a practical checklist to introduce circularity e.g., recycling potential and embed sustainability principles into turbine design. Developed through a desk-based assessment and stakeholder collaboration, the guidance provides a prioritised framework for reducing life cycle carbon impacts and enhancing environmental performance in offshore wind development.