When approximately half of the energy usage in Norway is fossil-based, it must be replaced with renewable energy to achieve climate goals. But how polluting is wind power, really?
«There are several analyses from various sources, including THEMA, DNV, and Bellona, which conclude that Norwegian wind power has a positive climate effect,» begins Robert Kippe.
He is the Communications Manager at Norwea - the Norwegian Wind Power Association.
«When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has estimated that 10 TWh of Norwegian wind power reduces five million tons of CO2 annually. That's a tenth of the total Norwegian emissions. So, wind power is essential for us to address the climate crisis.»
There are several analyses from various actors, including THEMA, DNV, and Bellona, , which conclude that Norwegian wind power has a positive climate effect.
One of the central questions is the pollution associated with the operation of an onshore wind farm, including the release of microplastics, mainly due to blade wear and tear.
«Major turbine manufacturers have estimated emissions of up to 50 grams per blade per year. That's 150 grams per wind turbine. NVE has also used this as a basis. There have been claims that a wind turbine emits 1-1.5 tons of microplastics during its lifetime. If that were true, the turbines would look like thin flagpoles. They don't, and the claim has been refuted by fact-checkers (faktisk.no)» says Kippe.
He refers to an article where multiple experts discuss microplastics from wind turbines, describing the claim of significant emissions as highly exaggerated and outright wrong. However, one operator, based on their analysis of all wind turbine blades, found an annual emission of 200 grams of microplastics per wind turbine. Some other operators reported no wear and tear at all.
«Of course, we should minimize microplastics, but to put these numbers in context, whether it's 150 or 200 grams, the amount of microplastics is many times lower than the tire wear and tear from a single vehicle in a year» Kippe explains.
And when we talk about wear and tear, wind turbines typically have a lifespan of 20-30 years, and they are also largely recyclable.
«Up to 80-90 percent of the turbine can be recycled. In the overall Norwegian economy, only 2-3 percent of the materials consumed find their way back into new production. So wind power is far ahead» says Kippe.
He believes that the challenge up until now has been that the actual rotor blades were made of a material that is difficult to recycle. However, the industry has been working hard on this for several years, something we see results of today.
«In Germany, they have the first turbine with recyclable rotor blades. It is being put into operation in the offshore wind farm Kaskasi.»
The comparison of different types of renewable energy, as well as fossil and nuclear power, has concluded that wind power performs very well. This applies to ecological footprint, land use, and impact on people's health.
Putting recycling aside for a moment, there are several environmental questions surrounding wind power. For example, whether the construction and operation of wind farms can pollute drinking water sources.
«Wind power plants can indeed be located near drinking water sources. However, as pointed out by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), specific assessments must be made for each individual project» explains Kippe.
And thus, he touches upon a broader area where he believes progress has been made. That both the wind power industry and the authorities have learned from the initial round of development.
«The authorities have changed the permit system and now impose stricter environmental requirements than before. There are also new requirements for the impact assessments of the projects, including those related to public health and biodiversity» says the Norwea representative.
He also points out that the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has updated the scientific basis for the impact of wind power, both positive and negative aspects.
«So, the industry has learned. They have improved their dialogue with the local community, but also in regards to how to build wind farms. This includes methods that minimize land use.»
Kippe is fully aware that there are divided opinions in the population regarding wind farms. Nevertheless, he is firm in stating that, from an environmental perspective, wind power is at the forefront when compared to other forms of energy production. Here, Kippe and Norwea refer to work done by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Resource Panel .
«The comparison of various types of renewable energy, as well as fossil and nuclear power, has concluded that wind power performs very well in terms of ecological footprint, land usage, and its impact on people's health» he explains.
«It's a global study showing an average, and of course, there will be differences between individual projects within the same technology» he says.
«Nevertheless, I believe the study demonstrates that wind power is better than the reputation some groups try to give it» Kippe says.
«Up to 80-90% of the turbine can be recycled. In the overall Norwegian economy, only 2-3% of the materials consumed find their way back into new production. So wind power is far ahead.
«Remember that we have 64 wind farms in Norway today. Most of them you haven't read or heard about. The few with high conflict levels receive a lot of attention. But the others that are well-received in the local communities don't get as much coverage.»
He also points out that the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has updated the scientific basis for the impact of wind power, both positive and negative aspects.
«So, the industry has learned. They have improved their dialogue with the local community, but also in regards to how to build wind farms. This includes methods that minimize land use.»
