Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Offshore Wind Turbines

Abstract

Renewable energy resources such as offshore wind turbines are considered as if they do not emit greenhouse gas emissions, as greenhouse gases are not emitted from these resources during electricity generation. However, throughout the various lifecycle stages of offshore wind turbines, significant levels of greenhouse gases could be emitted. To this end, we seek to analyse the greenhouse gas emissions from offshore wind turbines. The core objective of the thesis is to assess the major factors that result in greenhouse gas emissions from offshore wind turbines. Specifically, we study these factors from a lifecycle perspective. In this light, we investigate the major factors at each lifecycle stage of offshore wind turbines that result in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, we lay out several recommendations so that offshore wind turbines that are currently deployed or will be designed in the future can result in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.