Development and life-cycle inventory analysis of wind energy in Taiwan

This study conducted a life-cycle inventory analysis of wind energy utilization in Taiwan. Life-cycle stages of wind turbine manufacturing, foundation construction, as well as operation and disposal of the systems are considered. The functional unit is defined as per kWh of electricity generated by the wind power systems. In 2006, the electricity generated from wind power systems stands at 0.124% of the total electricity supply in Taiwan. Moreover, the estimated potential capacity of wind energy inland falls within the range of 1,656 to 6,624 MW. The resource inputs resulting from the life-cycle inventory analysis are: Steel 1.847 g, aluminum 0.043 g, copper 0.043 g, sands 0.045 g, glass 0.067 g, plastics 0.068 g, petrochemical products 0.024 g, and concrete 6.515 g (per kWh of electricity generated). The intensities of energy consumption and CO2 emission amount to about 0.05 MJ/kWh and 3.6 g/kWh, respectively. Furthermore, the payback time of energy input is estimated as 1.3 months.